the best travel water flosser

The Best Travel Water Flosser

Looking for full-sized water flossers? Check our top picks that we reviewed in October 2023.

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top Travel Water Flossers

1. aquasonic battery powered quiet travel water flosser, 2. koovon gentle interchangeable tips travel water flosser, 3. oralfree smart diy travel water flosser, 4. smiledirectclub anti-plaque battery powered travel water flosser, 5. h2ofloss usb long-lasting travel water flosser, 6. zerhunt long lasting travel water flosser, 7. yafex battery powered compact travel water flosser, 8. waterpik clinically proven travel water flosser, 9. yafex cordless collapsible travel water flosser & sinus rinse, 10. panasonic pulsing travel water flosser.

Battery Powered Quiet Travel Water Flosser

Available in white or black, this water flosser is battery-powered, so you don't have to worry about any annoying cords. It comes with four tips and does an excellent job of cleaning around braces without any pain. The flosser can run a full 5 hours on just one charge.

Removes Plaque This water flosser features a 2-minute timer and three available treatment modes.

Gentle Interchangeable Tips Travel Water Flosser

This travel water flosser is portable and comes neatly organized inside a handy carry bag. It offers four cleaning modes, including one to clear out your sinuses. Since five replacement tips are included with your purchase, you'll find the set lasts a long time.

Convenient Carrying Case Typical travel water flossers use silicone tubes, which can breed bacteria; however, this model defeats that problem using a stainless steel tube.

Smart DIY Travel Water Flosser

Improve your gum health with this portable water flosser. It's easily charged in a car, at home or anywhere around the world, as long as you have a power bank. The flosser is easy to use and offers four pressure modes for soft cleanings, deep cleanings and massages.

Multiple Color Options You'll find this water flosser comes in a choice of black or pink.

SmileDirectClub

Anti-plaque battery powered travel water flosser.

Since this travel water flosser has a compact foldable design, it's perfect for business and family trips. The flosser is battery-powered, so you don't have to worry about plugging it into an outlet. It comes with three pressure modes and an extra jet tip to get your teeth, gums and braces clean and free of food debris and bacteria.

Extremely Effective This travel water flosser is 50 percent more effective than traditional floss or dental picks.

Buying Guide

Brushing alone won’t get rid of all of the food particles and bacteria lurking in and around your teeth. According to the U.S. News & World Report, only 30% of Americans use dental floss daily after brushing. If you’re looking to improve your oral health, but find using dental floss difficult and time-consuming, consider using a water flosser instead. There are plenty of travel-friendly models on the market that you can even take with you when you go on a business trip or family vacation.

Look for a travel water flosser that is lightweight and compact, so you’ll be able to toss it in your carry-on bag. Some models are fully collapsible. The upper portion of these flossers is able to slide down into the handle when not in use.

Next, you’ll need to check the capacity of the rechargeable lithium battery. Believe it or not, but there are actually travel water flossers that reach a full charge in just a few hours. This charge will then last for up to 40 days, depending on the model you select. Some models also come with a USB cable and UL certification charger adapter, which is handy if you don’t want to wait for the battery to recharge.

Review the available water pressure settings on the travel water flosser. While some models only have a choice between two pressure types, others have as many as six. There are even models in the market with a DIY mode. These allow you to adjust the water pressure until it matches your comfort level.

Check the capacity of the water tank. One with a 300 milliliter is ideal, as this will allow you to complete a full mouth flossing without having to stop and refill the tank. It’s also helpful if the tank has a wide opening, as this will make the unit easy to clean. Otherwise limescale and bacteria will build up in the tank.

Consider the water flosser’s nozzle. Some models come with one simple nozzle that rotates a full 360 degrees, which allows you to reach every area of your mouth, while others have interchangeable nozzle heads.

Determine whether there are any extras that make one travel water flosser stand out from another. There are models that come with a car charger, while other models offer a built-in timer that shuts off after 2 minutes of use. There are even flossers that are waterproof inside and out, so consumers can use them in the shower.

What to Look For

• It’s important to schedule a routine cleaning of your travel water flosser. You can do this after returning home from your trip or stick to a once per month cleaning. Start off removing the flosser’s water tank and clean it using your dishwasher. Fill the water tank with 8 ounces of water and 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar and return it to the flosser. Run this mixture through the flosser to clean out the internal parts. Dump any remaining solution out of the water tank, rinse it clean and fill it back up with water. Run the water through the flosser to remove any traces of the previous solution. Wipe down the outside of the water flosser using a soapy dishrag and soak any nozzles in either hydrogen peroxide or vinegar.
• When using the water flosser, you may want to close your lips to prevent splashing.
• Since travel water flossers have different water capacities, varying jet nozzles and charge times, they come in different price ranges. The Waterpik Cordless Travel Water Flosser is affordably priced. You’ll pay the most for models that have a large water reservoir, two charging options and a 360-degree rotatable nozzle.

Travel Water Flosser Rankings

More to Explore

Water flossers are sometimes referred to as oral irrigators. They were first created by a Colorado dentist named Gerald Moyer and a hydraulic engineer by the name of John Mattingly (who happened to be Moyer’s patient) back in 1962. Moyer was looking for a way to help his patients improve their oral health. Since the water flosser was created, it has undergone many studies, all of which had positive results.

Using a water flosser has proven effective in reducing inflammation and bleeding, as well as cutting down on plaque and bacteria levels. This is true even in patients who suffer from diabetes, gingivitis and periodontitis. If you’re looking to improve upon your oral health, a water flosser is the way to go.

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The 8 Best Water Flossers for That After-the-Dentist Feeling

We tested flossers from Waterpik, Philips Sonicare, and more—these are the only ones we recommend

Brian T. Luong, DMD, is an orthodontist at Anaheim Hills Orthodontics and Santa Ana Orthodontics and Chief Dental Officer at Become Aligners.

Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.

Our Top Picks

Our testing process, the experts, what to know about water flossers, more water flossers to consider.

Health / Joy Kim

Water flossers are small powered devices that rely on pressure to direct a stream of water around the gum line and between the teeth. This blasts away plaque and other build-ups that can cause inflammation, gum disease, and cavities. If you have gingivitis, wear braces or aligners, or simply have trouble with the fine motor manipulation of weaving dental floss between your teeth, water flossers are extremely helpful tools. According to the experts we spoke to, they remove more bacteria-causing plaque than string floss alone and are also highly effective tools for maintaining oral health.

We tested 14 different water flossers from brands like Waterpik and Aquasonic for effectiveness, ease of use, settings, and overall value. The best ones were uncomplicated, comfortable to hold, and had a big enough water tank to last through one full session. We also had an orthodontist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

• Best Overall: Aquasonic Aqua Flosser
• Best Budget H2ofloss Water Flosser
• Best Waterpik: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
• Best Cordless: Waterpik Cordless Plus Water Flosser
• Best Portable: MySmile Cordless Oral Irrigator
• Best Electric Toothbrush-Water Flosser Combo: Waterpik Sonic Fusion Toothbrush & Flosser Combo
• Best With Additional Nozzles: Turewell Water Dental Flosser
• Best For Braces: Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 5000

What to Look for in a Water Flosser

• Size : Before committing to a water flosser, consider how much counter space you can devote to it. If you don't have a lot of room, a cordless or more travel-friendly option might be better than a corded one with a large reservoir. The same goes for if you plan to take your water flosser with you when you're away from home; a smaller option will be easier to pack.
• Reservoir Tank : This is the source of water for the pressurized stream that comes out of the nozzle. A large and removable water reservoir makes it easier for people to use the water flosser regularly. However, larger tanks take up more counter space and are not cordless.
• Nozzles : Water flossers come with various nozzle options to cater to different users. The classic jet tip is the most commonly used and recommended. However, specialized tips can be useful when used appropriately. The orthodontic tip flexes around brackets, the periodontal tip delivers medication, and the plaque tip is useful for crowns and implants.
• Pressure Settings : Water flossers have different speed and strength settings. It's recommended to start on the lowest setting and gradually increase it over time. The best pressure setting is the one that's most comfortable and beneficial for you. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, make sure the flosser has a gentle "low" pressure setting. Using a setting that is too high can cause a sore mouth and sensitivity.
• Ergonomics : Make sure you like how the water flosser feels in your hand. Many of our testers noticed when a product was easy to hold or had an ergonomic, well-balanced handle. Since fitting the nozzle into the hard-to-reach places of your mouth can be awkward, you need a flosser that maneuvers smoothly as you twist and turn it around.
• Alerts & Timers : Some water flossers, like the Waterpik, include auto timers to let you know how long you've been flossing. Most of these products are set to alert you at the one- or two-minute mark, which is a good guideline for how long you should floss in a given session.

Best Overall

Aquasonic aqua flosser.

• Effectiveness 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Settings 5 /5
• Overall Value 5 /5

Why We Like It

This Aquasonic Aqua Flosser is our best overall because it impressed us with its easy-to-operate on-off switch and how simple it was to toggle between settings mid-use . That's because ergonomics—how comfortable the water flosser is to hold and operate—is so important, and that's just one area where this Aquasonic model really excels. We think it is well designed, with a nice shape to the handle.

When it comes to separating good water flossers from great water flossers, pressure settings and reservoir size are important factors. While it only has three settings (fewer than some of the more expensive options on our list), they are effective and get the job done . The pulse mode, in particular, was one of our favorites—it did an excellent job getting gunk out from in between our teeth.

To get a thorough clean, you need a flosser with a large enough tank that won't require refilling or cut your session short before you can reach every nook and cranny of your mouth. We are incredibly impressed with the tank size on the Aquasonic chiefly because it is a cordless design —typically, cordless models sacrifice tank size to be compact enough to handle. Plus, we found the tank easy to fill. Finding a cordless water flosser that's high-powered and has a tank long enough to last through an entire cleaning session is a tall order. And at this price, we don't think you can do better.

It's Worth Noting

• This isn't the fanciest water flosser available, so you should keep reading if you want something with more advanced settings.

Product Details

• Dimensions : 3 x 4 x 10 inches
• Reservoir Size : 150 mL
• Pressure Settings : 3
• Attachment Nozzles : 4
• Extra Features : Includes travel pouch

Health / Tamara Staples

Best Budget

H2ofloss water flosser portable dental oral irrigator.

• Effectiveness 4.5 /5

We chose the H2ofloss Water Flosser Portable as our best budget pick because, frankly, we were surprised this flosser doesn't cost more, considering how versatile and functional it is. Where some more affordable flossers offer only the bare necessities, this one features five pressure settings, from low to super high, and includes six tips: two jet tips, an orthodontic tip, a tongue cleaner, a periodontal tip, and a toothbrush tip.

We found that the H2ofloss was intuitive and easy to figure out , even without a clear set of step-by-step instructions; it has a clean and practical design . This flosser is also effective at cleaning teeth and stores a good amount of water, especially for a portable unit. Our entire mouth felt clean after use, but we did struggle to find the right intensity—the higher settings were a bit too strong and splashed excess water everywhere.

All in all, this is a budget-friendly pick that would be great for beginners . It doesn't include many extraneous pieces or accessories, but the variety you get in terms of pressure settings and nozzle choice elevates this affordable option beyond other less-expensive competitors.

• The high pressure modes might be too intense for some people.
• Dimensions : 2.3 x 3 x 8.6 inches
• Reservoir Size : 300 mL
• Pressure Settings : 5
• Attachment Nozzles : 6
• Extra Features : None

Best Waterpik

Waterpik aquarius water flosser.

We found the  Waterpik Aquarius  a solid flosser, not too complicated or too simplistic, with a long-lasting water tank that allowed us to get all the gunk out of our teeth without feeling rushed. We found it superbly effective because our teeth felt spotlessly clean after using it, even when we opted for the lower, more gentle settings.

One of the toughest things about using a water flosser, if you have braces, is that it can be hard to manipulate, especially for kids who might have trouble managing a larger-size flosser. But we think the Aquarius's smaller handle would be perfect for kids (or those with smaller hands, in general).

We were impressed with the settings on the Aquarius, too. It features ten pressure settings, which are adjustable on the flosser base, a timer that alerts you after both 30 and 60 seconds of use, and seven nozzle tips for different purposes (or family members). If you want a countertop water flosser with a long-lasting reservoir and don't mind sticking close to the sink while you floss, the Aquarius is a standout from Waterpik.

• The cord connecting the flosser to the reservoir is noticeably short; it made using the handle a little more difficult.
• Dimensions : 10.8 x 5.25 x 6 inches
• Reservoir Size : 22 ounces
• Pressure Settings : 10
• Attachment Nozzles : 7
• Extra Features : Built-in timer

Best Cordless

Waterpik rechargeable cordless plus water flosser.

If you've never used a water flosser before and aren't sure if it's right for you, a basic cordless option is the best way to experiment with a flosser without the commitment of a more complicated unit. The  Waterpik Cordless Advanced  is our pick for best cordless —and we think its lightweight, minimalist design is great, especially for newbies.

We found the reservoir easy to fill, and the water lasted much longer than the 45 seconds indicated on the package. We also like that it was easy to set up the product, and using it is very intuitive. However, with only three pressure settings, the Waterpik Cordless Advanced doesn't offer a highly customized experience (and it costs more than some models with ten settings, like the Turewell). It did a decent job cleaning our teeth—in some tests, we felt like our teeth were thoroughly cleaned after a minute, while in others, we noticed some residue and thought there was a little too much water to manage in our mouths. While it might be too simplistic for some, we recommend the Waterpik Cordless Advanced for first-time users and anyone concerned that string floss alone isn't providing enough benefit to their oral care routine.

• You won't find any special or standout features here; this is a basic flosser that simply gets the job done.
• Dimensions : 11.65 x 2.7 x 3.8 inches
• Reservoir Size : 7 ounces
• Extra Features : Travel pouch

Best Portable

Mysmile cordless oral irrigator.

• Ease of Use 4 /5

We found the MySmile to be a uniquely user-friendly experience, thanks to its digital design and travel-friendly features. Throw in a free travel pouch, and you get a water flosser perfect for stashing in a bag or suitcase and taking it with you wherever you're going.

Although the MySmile is battery-powered and compact, it still manages to include a 350-milliliter tank, which is the largest of all the cordless flossers we tested. That means you get more use out of the flosser before needing to refill but for roughly the same size and cost as other flossers featured here.

We appreciated the digital features of the MySmile, which made the operation much easier: We can see the water temperature, pressure settings, and battery life at a glance, elevating the appearance and the actual usage of the flosser beyond some others we tried. We also like the variety of nozzle attachments , especially the one with the bristle brush; using it felt like brushing and flossing at the same time.

One area where the MySmile came up a little short was the ease of use; we found changing the pressure settings to be a little confusing and weren't sure whether to use the "soft" setting or the "child" setting for the lowest pressure. But this didn't affect how well the MySmile worked—it gave us that "totally clean" feeling, and the digital design truly heightened our experience in testing.

• You may need to play around a little with the settings until you find one that works best for you.
• Dimensions : Not listed
• Reservoir Size : 350 ml
• Attachment Nozzles : 8

Best Electric Toothbrush-Water Flosser Combo

Waterpik sonic fusion electric toothbrush & water flosser combo.

• Effectiveness 4 /5
• Overall Value 4 /5

As an electric toothbrush and flosser in one, the Sonic Fusion 2.0 allows you to brush, floss,  or  do both at the same time—and we found it super easy to toggle back and forth between settings, making it a clear choice for best electric toothbrush-water flosser combo .

The unit features a large reservoir but is still compact, a rarity in countertop flossing units. It's downright sleek and is designed to look nice on your bathroom counter , in addition to being a solid water flosser.

The Fusion doesn't just look good, either: We found it both effective and easy to use . Whether we're using the pik flosser or the toothbrush (or both), the Sonic Fusion left our mouths feeling instantly clean, as if they had just had their teeth scrubbed by a professional .

We also like that the interface is simple to navigate, with a dial to control the pressure setting to specific levels and more convenient handheld-based controls to adjust function settings when switching from brushing to flossing. If you don't have time to mess around with an entirely separate oral care device, the Sonic Fusion performs both functions well and saves time.

• Because of the combination brush-flosser, you won't get any nozzle variety with this model.
• Dimensions : 10.9 x 5.25 x 6 inches
• Reservoir Size : 16 ounces
• Attachment Nozzles : 2
• Extra Features : Built-in timer, travel case, recharge indicator

Best with Additional Nozzles

Turewell water dental flosser.

• Effectiveness 3.9 /5

The Turewell Water Flosser earned our pick for best with additional nozzles because it includes three jet nozzles and five issue-specific nozzles. But more importantly, we found that the flosser head was small enough to access hard-to-reach areas—which means you can utilize all those fancy nozzle heads in every part of your mouth, maximizing your oral health routine .

All of the various nozzles do require some fiddling as you change them out, so it's not as straightforward to use as some of our other picks, like the Waterpik Aquarius. Meanwhile, the unit's pressure settings are a standout —we like that it only features an on/off button and a pressure setting dial, which makes it easy and intuitive to operate.

We also really appreciated that the pressure dial was able to zero in on precise pressure settings most other wet flossers are unable to. This makes the Turewell suitable for people with sensitive teeth and gums who might otherwise find the standard pressure settings of a flosser too intense for their liking. If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to a pricey water flosser and a thorough clean that's gentle enough for sensitive teeth and gums, the Turewell has the right combination of settings and nozzles to meet your needs.

• Attaching the nozzles can be tricky, so if you're planning to use a variety, you'll need some skill and patience.
• Dimensions : 8.7 x 6.2 x 5.1 inches
• Reservoir Size : 600 mL

Best for Braces

Philips sonicare power flosser 5000.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

We found the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 5000 to be the best pick for those with braces because it was extremely efficient in cleaning our entire mouth thoroughly. Our test came after indulging in some nachos, and we were pleased to find that our mouths felt completely clean afterward.

The setup process was straightforward. We started by plugging in the base, followed by filling the reservoir. The lid is attached easily and secured well. The instructions provided were clear and helpfully included guidance for cleaning with braces , which we appreciated. This model boasts a 'Clean' and 'Deep Clean' mode, complemented by ten intensity settings , making it versatile for different cleaning needs. We found it very easy to switch between pressure settings as needed.

The Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 5000 delivers a very effective whole-mouth clean . Considering its effectiveness, we believe the price point of $99 is justified. Its compact size and light weight make it an appealing choice for an effective, space-saving water flosser .

• Despite its impressive range of intensity settings, some users might find even the lowest setting to be too powerful or intense, especially if they have sensitive gums or are new to water flossing.
• Dimensions : 5.32 x 5.91 x 9.92 inches
• Reservoir Size : 550 mL
• Attachment Nozzles : 3
• Extra Features : Magnetic dock w/auto shut-off

We tested 14 water flossers in the Health Lab to determine the best ones to add to your oral care routine. We're also testing these water flossers at home so that we can rate their performance over weeks and months of daily use. When testing water flossers in our Lab, we found that features like reservoir size, pressure settings, nozzle attachments, and how much space it will (or won't) take up on your bathroom sink are all important factors. The best ones were uncomplicated, comfortable to hold, and had a big enough water tank to last through one full session. We've rated each device for the following attributes:

• Ease of Use and Settings : We set up each device, filled the tanks with water according to the manufacturer's instructions, and evaluated the different tips and pressure settings, familiarizing ourselves with how it maneuvers around our teeth.
• Effectiveness: We set a one-minute timer for consistency and used each device to clean near the gumline and between our teeth. We noted how well each water flosser removed debris and plaque from their teeth, whether it left anything behind, how it handled in hard-to-reach places, how easy the different settings were to navigate, and how quickly the device ran through water in the tank.
• Overall Value: Water flossers that left our mouths with that "just left the dentist" feeling of cleanliness rated high on our list, along with products that featured larger reservoir tanks, multiple pressure settings, and simple designs free of confusing assembly steps or instructions. Products that didn't make our list of recommendations missed the mark on one or more attributes: They were too awkward or clumsy to use, didn't offer enough variable pressure, or simply weren't worth their higher price point compared to similar flossers.

In addition to testing 14 models from the top brands, we also spoke with dentists and oral hygiene experts, including:

• Michele Bishop , DDS, founder and owner of Ingram Hills Dental in San Antonio, Texas, and the co-host of the YouTube Channel Tipsy Tooth Talk
• Ghias Jabbour , DDS, owner of Blanco Crossing Dental in San Antonio, Texas

How Water Flossers Work

Water flossers use a small motor to send a pressurized stream of water through a nozzle at your teeth and gum s. In doing so, they can remove plaque and bacteria sticking to the hard-to-reach places in your mouth, like along your gum line and between your teeth, that regular dental floss may not be able to.

They are especially useful if you have orthodontics such as braces (and might not be able to floss in between archwires and around brackets), if you have crowns or bridges, if you have gingivitis and need to take extra good care of your gums, and people who can't manipulate dental floss effectively because of conditions such as arthritis.

Water Flosser Safety

Waterpiks and water flossers cannot damage the teeth or the gums , per Dr. Bishop, since water alone can't damage the structure of your tooth. They can cause mild irritation at first, but that's often normal. According to Dr. Bishop, some individuals may notice some bleeding similar to flossing when first using a water flosser, especially if the tissue is inflamed or diseased. As the biofilm and plaque causing the inflammation decrease, the bleeding should also.

We also tested these water flossers but ultimately decided not to include them in our list of recommendations. They fell short in our test when it came to technology, features, and functionality:

• Waterpik Nano Plus : Our tester thought this flosser was small and compact, with a sizable reservoir, but for the cost, we prefer some other options from Waterpik.
• Waterpik Cordless Express : This powerful flosser is nearly ready to use out of the box. It has two settings, which would work fine for someone who needs a lot of intensity—our testers noted that the lowest setting is still pretty strong.
• Waterpik ION Professional : The Ion is sleek, compact, and easy to use, but we weren't as impressed with its quality. The nozzle attachment fell off mid-use, and our tester struggled to reassemble it correctly.
• Waterpik Cordless Pearl : We found the Pearl is better for travel than everyday use. Our tester noted that it was messy to use along the front teeth, and the attachment needed re-inserting a few times.

Sarah Bradley has been a freelance writer since 2017, tackling health commerce articles, product reviews, and shopping guides on everything from dry skin moisturizers and wart removers to menstrual cups and toothbrushes for braces. She has personally tested electric toothbrushes and water flossers, so knows what makes a good product stand out from a great one (and really, really wants to tell you about it).

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The Best Water Flossers

By Nancy Redd

Nancy Redd is a writer who covers health and grooming. She has tested dozens of hair dryers, toothbrushes, and pairs of period underwear.

Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, cost a lot more up-front than string floss. And they can still be pretty uncomfortable to use—get ready to drool. Also, there’s no clear evidence that they’re superior to traditional floss. Yet some people really like the way the water jets feel between their teeth, and some find it’s easier to work with a wand than a piece of string. Of the 14 models we’ve tested, we recommend the Waterpik Ion , a compact traditional water flosser with a cordless charging base. It cleans mouths thoroughly and takes up less counter space than most of its competitors.

Everything we recommend

Waterpik Ion

Customizable, cordless charging.

This countertop flosser made our mouths feel the cleanest, and it can operate cordlessly (between the unit and the wall), which saves a ton of counter space.

Buying Options

(limited colors)

Waterpik Aquarius Professional

Just as effective, but bulkier.

This model cleans just as well as our pick, and it has the same warranty and 10 pressure settings. But it’s slightly larger, and it requires an outlet and more counter space.

Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 Cordless

Powerful and portable.

This handheld, battery-operated cordless model is powerful and more portable than our countertop picks.

Budget pick

Waterpik Cordless Express

Smaller tank, non-rechargeable batteries.

Another portable, handheld model, this flosser requires AA batteries and more-frequent refilling when compared with our other cordless pick.

How we picked

A larger tank allows you to floss longer without having to refill.

Some models are bulkier than others, which can make a difference on already crowded countertops.

Models that run on batteries (either rechargeable or replaceable) can be helpful when there’s no convenient outlet near your sink.

Customizing the pressure of your water stream can make your flossing experience more enjoyable and comfortable.

Testers unanimously chose the Waterpik Ion as the best countertop water flosser both in terms of cleaning and saving counter space. It tied with our runner-up pick, the Waterpik Aquarius Professional , for being the “most likely to deliver that ‘just left the dentist’ feeling.” But the Ion’s unique cordless charging base is a significant upgrade because it successfully mitigates one of the biggest hurdles we’ve had with traditional water flossers: needing an outlet near your countertop. (A cord connects the flossing device to the countertop water tank.)

The Ion has 10 pressure settings and comes with multiple tips of different stream widths. So you should be able to dial in a setting with the mix of comfort and effectiveness you prefer. This model also comes with a three-year warranty, which is as long as we’ve seen.

The Waterpik Aquarius Professional cleans mouths just as well as the Ion, and it has the same 10 pressure settings and three-year warranty. This model does, however, require more counter space than most flossers, and it needs to be plugged in while you use it. Even so, we found it easy to use and clean, like the Ion. The Aquarius Professional is the only one of our picks that comes with a “massage” setting, which emits pulses of water.

If you’d like to use a water flosser in places other than at the sink (such as in the shower), consider the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 Cordless . It’s a portable, cordless flosser that’s as powerful as our other picks. Unlike its countertop counterparts (which feature large water reservoirs and handheld sprayers), this battery-operated flosser combines the sprayer with a single-use reservoir, for an all-in-one, handheld experience. Plus, this model fits in a bathroom drawer (or a suitcase) between uses.

The Waterpik Cordless Express is the best cordless water flosser under $50 we’ve tested. Its reservoir is a lot smaller than that on the Power Flosser 3000 Cordless (5 ounces versus 8), and it produces a less powerful stream, but it gets the job done—for half the price of the Power Flosser 3000 Cordless.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked and tested, our pick: waterpik ion, runner-up: waterpik aquarius professional, also great: philips sonicare power flosser 3000 cordless, budget pick: waterpik cordless express, other good water flossers, the competition.

We spoke with Jessica Hilburg , then associate dean for clinical affairs at NYU College of Dentistry and now a clinical associate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and Ruchi Sahota , a dentist in Fremont, California, who serves as a media spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA). We also spoke with Chhaju Ram Goyal, co-founder and director of All Sum Research Center (an independent research lab in Canada that tests oral-health-care products), whose name is on much of the scientific research related to water flossers (though, that research was paid for and designed by none other than Waterpik).

If you won’t or can’t use dental floss , and you don’t mind spending some cash on a device that might break or get disastrously moldy, consider a water flosser.

Water flossers are an alternative (or an addition) to string floss. They don’t require the same dexterity that string floss does (though you still need fine-motor skills). They can make it easier to clean around braces . And they are arguably more fun to use than string floss.

But they’re also pricier, bulkier, and fussier. Even using a generous 18 inches of string per floss —which allows you to use a new section of string for each tooth—you’ll go through under $10 worth of floss per year. By contrast, the least expensive water flossers cost about $40. Plus, you’ll need to clean your water flosser from time to time, but string floss is maintenance-free.

Only your own dentist can tell you whether a water flosser is the best choice for your oral hygiene, according to the dentists we spoke with. “Everyone’s teeth are different, everyone’s gums are different,” Ruchi Sahota , a dentist in Fremont, California, said. If you embark on a water-flosser experiment, get feedback from your dentist about how well it’s working.

By and large, it’s unclear how water flossers compare to regular string floss in terms of cleaning. Water flossers that bear a seal from the American Dental Association (ADA) have been evaluated by the organization and are shown to clean teeth better than a toothbrush alone. However, the ADA doesn’t compare water flossing to string flossing. (The ADA isn’t entirely independent of companies that sell dental goods: Member companies pay the organization a fee to evaluate their products. The ADA designs and controls the evaluations itself, though.)  There’s a paper arguing that water flossers are superior to string floss . But the research was funded and overseen by Waterpik. Thus, we’re skeptical of the results, even though the journal the paper appeared in is peer reviewed by an editorial board of dentists.

Actually, the evidence that even string flossing improves overall oral health isn’t of great quality . But the ADA recommends some sort of daily flossing, and the experts we spoke with likened interdental cleaning to any other routine hygiene step. “There might not be a study, but most people would agree that taking a shower is a good thing,” said Jessica Hilburg, who at the time of our interview was associate dean for clinical affairs at NYU College of Dentistry. Sahota likened it to cleaning out any of the little crevices on your body, like your belly button.

There are dozens upon dozens of water flossers available. Over five years of testing these devices, we’ve considered a mix of countertop and portable, corded and cordless models in a variety of sizes, favoring those with the most favorable customer reviews and/or the ADA Seal of Acceptance .

We pinpointed the features that will have the biggest impact on what it’s like to use a particular water flosser:

• Tank size: Many flossers don’t hold enough water to work through your whole mouth. Having a larger tank can be nice because it allows you to focus on any trouble spots (like a stubborn fleck of popcorn) or do a touch-up without having to refill.
• Power source: Some flossers need to be plugged into the wall during use, and some are cordless. Some cordless models have a built-in rechargeable battery; others run on replaceable batteries.
• Counter space: Some models take up a bit more space than an electric toothbrush, whereas others need as much room as a couple of rolls of toilet paper.
• Settings: The more you can adjust the water stream, the better you can adjust the flosser’s feel to your exact preferences.
• Tips: All water flossers shoot water out of a removable tip, allowing multiple people in a household to use the same device without sharing germs. Some models have holsters for multiple tips, while others have no storage. Some come with a range of tips that vary the stream width, though not all of these are useful.

No matter which model you pick, buy a water flosser only if it’s under warranty. Across the category, water flossers tend to fail easily: They can leak, wane in strength, or simply give up the ghost. Our picks have earned fewer customer complaints than the competition. But your best option is to buy something with a long warranty (two or three years is typical), and be prepared to file a claim if needed.

We rotated through our selection of finalist flossers for several weeks (the experience of using them was so satisfying and novel that one tester water-flossed upwards of four times a day). We are continuing to test them over the long term.

The Waterpik Ion is the best countertop water flosser. It cleans mouths thoroughly, and it is highly adjustable. And, thanks to its cordless charging base, the Ion can be used in all types of bathrooms—regardless of whether there’s an outlet nearby. The removable charging cord can be stored anywhere and brought out every few weeks to recharge the flosser. The Ion features a strong, steady water stream. And it has a larger-than-average, 26-ounce water tank (with a wide, easy-to-refill mouth), which holds enough water to floss between each tooth and then some.

Like many Waterpik countertop flossers, the Ion has 10 pressure settings, so you can find the perfect water-stream strength. This model also comes with six tips that offer different stream widths. But unlike other flossers, the Ion has a magnetized handle cradle, which makes it easier to store the handle and the cord that connects it to the reservoir compactly.

The Ion takes up less counter space than other countertop flossers we’ve considered, including our runner-up pick, the Waterpik Aquarius Professional . Because with the Ion you’re not tied to an outlet, you can move the device wherever on the counter you prefer.

As with most flossers that produce a constant flow of water, you’ll have to learn how to artfully drool while using the Ion.

The Ion is one of the easiest water flossers to refill after each use or so (a requirement of all flossers) and to wipe out regularly: It has a wide, dishwasher-safe reservoir that is easily removed and that doesn’t have any hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. The tank lid attaches to the unit and flips up, so there’s nothing to set aside while you fill and clean the tank. It holds around 90 seconds’ worth of water, which gives you plenty of time (and then some) to floss your entire mouth. One tester found they could do a quick floss in about 30 seconds; if they spent more than a minute, their teeth felt fantastically clean.

The Ion comes in two colors (black and white) and is warrantied for three years.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Although Waterpik claims the Ion can last for a month between charges, we needed to recharge the device every three weeks or so when water flossing every day. Even so, we found this model to be a worthwhile upgrade over having to keep a countertop flosser plugged in at all times in order to run it.

There’s no place to store the included extra tips, so if that is more important to you than cordless charging, consider our runner-up pick, the Aquarius Professional .

Like most water flossers, the Ion is slightly noisy (similar to electric razors and many bathroom electronics), but not terribly so.

Because of its continuous stream, the Ion (like all of our picks) involves a learning curve. That stream means your mouth fills up with water pretty quickly. You’ll either have to pause to spit several times during a flossing session or learn to let it dribble out (even the official Waterpik literature features an image of a person straight-up drooling ). And if you pull the nozzle out of your mouth too quickly, you’ll send water spraying across the bathroom.

If plugging in is not an issue, the Waterpik Aquarius Professional is a solid water flosser that offers a similar experience to that of our pick, the Ion . The Aquarius made our mouths feel totally clean, thanks to its strong, continuous stream (which is similar to the Ion’s). This model also ties with the Ion for having the most stream pressure settings and tips of all the flossers we tested. So the Aquarius Professional gives you the best chance of finding the pressure, pulse, and stream size that feels good to you.

With the Aquarius Professional, there’s no charging system or batteries to contend with because it plugs into the wall via a 4-foot electrical cord. (Though, unlike the Ion, this model must remain plugged in to operate.) Although there are more reports of it breaking down or becoming caked with mold than we’d like , in five years of research and long-term testing, we’ve found the Aquarius Professional to be a reliable device.

Though the Aquarius Professional is not quite as easy to clean as the Ion, it does have a wide, dishwasher-safe reservoir that holds plenty of water for at least a single flossing session. This model, in part due to the bulky cord, takes up more counter space than our other picks. As with all of our picks, with the Aquarius Professional you’ll be drooling a lot because of the constant water flow. Unlike our other picks, this model has two modes (for a regular “floss” stream or a “massage” mode, which shoots pulses of water), and it comes with seven different tips (same as the Ion).

The floss mode delivers a continuous stream of water, which we found to be the most effective for cleaning. On the strongest setting, it actually made one of our tester’s gums bleed, possibly because they were not used to flossing. Some water-flosser manuals acknowledge a week or two of bleeding as part of the “training period,” when your gums get used to being power-washed.

The massage mode is a pulsing stream. This mode also felt like it cleaned well, and it filled our mouths with water at a slower rate, which in turn made for less awkward drooling. The massage mode could be helpful for folks who prefer a gentler stream.

The Aquarius Professional comes with seven basic tips offering five different types of water streams (though you probably wouldn’t use most of them on a regular basis). Unlike the Ion, this model has a spot next to the tank to store tips; this is handy if you want to share the flosser with family members or switch between a couple of tips yourself. The curly cord that connects the handle to the tank is about 33 inches long, an inch shorter than the Ion’s.

Like the Ion, the Aquarius Professional comes with a three-year warranty. It is available in four colors: black, white, blue, and gray.

A cordless water flosser can be a useful tool for both portability and space-saving purposes. The best one we’ve tested is the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 Cordless . It is, as one reviewer called it, “like a power washer for your teeth .”

Because it’s an all-in-one device, with the water reservoir attached to the handheld sprayer, this model is much wider and heavier to hold than our other picks. When they are filled with water, cordless water flossers, including this one, can weigh more than a pound—versus the single ounce of most countertop flosser handles. (If you have hand-grip issues, a cordless water flosser may not be right for you.)

However, the Power Flosser 3000 Cordless has an impressively strong water stream to rival those of countertop flossers, and it offers an extremely pleasant and versatile flossing experience. And unlike our countertop picks, this one is fully waterproof—you can use it in the shower. We found this extremely helpful both for remembering to floss and for limiting cleanup (what better place to drool on oneself than in the shower?).

The Power Flosser 3000 has a rechargeable battery (and comes with a USB-C charging cord). And it can hold a lot more water than most cordless flossers (over 8 ounces), so most people won’t have to refill during a single flossing session. It holds enough water or mouthwash (or other antibacterial solutions) for almost an entire minute of spray (give or take 10 seconds, depending upon your settings); this is usually enough to complete a single floss.

The Power Flosser 3000 comes with two nozzles, has two flossing modes (“clean” and “deep clean”), and has three stream intensities, which our testers enjoyed tooling with. It comes in three colors (white, black, mint green).

As with those of our other picks, this model’s water reservoir can go in the dishwasher; weekly cleaning is recommended.

The Power Flosser 3000 Cordless comes with a two-year warranty (our two countertop picks have three-year warranties).

The Waterpik Cordless Express is a great flosser under $50. But, unlike our other cordless flosser pick, the water tank on this model requires refilling mid-floss.

With just two settings and a single stream intensity, the Cordless Express is much simpler than our other picks. It holds enough water or mouthwash (or other antibacterial solutions) for 30 seconds of spray, which is generally not enough to complete a full floss. It’s easy to fill, however, so you can be back to drooling in mere seconds (especially when flossing in the shower ).

The Cordless Express uses three AA batteries, instead of plugging into the wall with a charging cord, so you’ll want to have extra batteries on hand (or use rechargeable ones ). Removing and replacing the batteries is an easy process, as is cleaning the device. And, as with our other picks, this model’s water reservoir can go in the dishwasher; weekly cleaning is recommended.

This model comes with two tips—like our cordless pick from Philips Sonicare. But the Cordless Express is compatible with all other Waterpik tips.

This flosser’s body has a useful grip pattern, to help you avoid dropping the device. But people with smaller hands may have difficulty holding its 5-inch circumference, which is much more unwieldy than the comparatively slim Power Flosser 3000 Cordless.

The Cordless Express has a one-year warranty (much shorter than that of our other picks), and it comes in white or black.

If you can’t find the regular Waterpik Ion in stock: Consider the rechargeable Waterpik Ion Professional . This model has the same 5.5-inch footprint and 34-inch flosser cord as our pick , the Ion, but it holds 20 ounces of water (instead of 22 ounces).

If you’re looking for a traditional corded water flosser for a child, or for an adult with smaller hands or dexterity issues:   Waterpik’s Water Flosser For Kids may be a worthy compact option. Its neon green coloring isn’t exactly subtle, but this flosser has the same per-minute pulses and flow rate as our picks. However, its highest pressure option is lower than that of our picks (80 psi versus 100 psi). And this model also offers only 60 seconds of flossing capacity (our picks offer 90 seconds) and a shorter warranty (two years versus three). We found this flosser’s smaller, thinner handle easy to grip, but it does not have a rotating tip option or an on/off switch. Since this one is meant to be refilled after every use, it does not come with a lid.

Countertop water flossers

The reservoir of the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 5000 holds less water than that of our top pick, and it’s more expensive.

In our experience, the Waterpik Ultra cleans just as well as the Ion and the Aquarius Professional. But its lid isn’t attached to the tank (which is less preferable for regular maintenance).

We found combination water flossers and electric toothbrushes like Waterpik’s Complete Care 5.0  to be less appealing than using our water flosser pick and electric toothbrush pick separately.

We didn’t test the Waterpik Sidekick Water Flosser , despite its pluses. We like that this corded model is smaller than other countertop Waterpiks, can fit in a small travel case, and looks quite nice (especially the black-and-copper model ). But, unfortunately, it comes with only one tip, which cannot be changed (making it a little gross for use by multiple people). Also, it has just five pressure settings, and, at the time of publication, the Sidekick was nearly double the price of the Aquarius.

The Waterpik Classic Professional Water Flosser , which we also did not test, is similar in function and size to our top pick and costs a bit less. But it has only six pressure settings and comes with just two styles of tips. There’s also no cover on the tank lid.

Cordless water flossers

The cordless Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced ’s reservoir holds less water than we needed for a single test flossing session. Because this model produces a lower pressure water stream than our pick, in our experience it felt less effective when compared with the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 Cordless and the Waterpik Cordless Express.

The Panasonic EW-DJ10-W Oral Irrigator is a well-reviewed water flosser. But due to its collapsible design, it tends to stay damp for a while, which, well, dampens the overall experience. It also looks and feels a little cheaper than the Cordless Express, despite being the same price. It has a two-year warranty.

We found two other cordless offerings from Waterpik, the Waterpik Cordless Freedom and the Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser , that are bulkier and less enjoyable to use than the Power Flosser 3000 Cordless and the Cordless Express.

The Burst Water Flosser has an especially strong water stream, but it holds less water than our budget pick.

Quip’s Rechargeable Cordless Water Flosser has the same capacity and number of settings as our budget pick, but is more expensive.

The Aquasonic Aqua Flosser is overall more cumbersome to use when compared with our picks.

Shannon Palus contributed reporting in 2018.

This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.

Jessica Hilburg, associate dean for clinical affairs at NYU College of Dentistry , phone interview , September 25, 2018

Ruchi Sahota, dentist and media spokesperson for the American Dental Association , phone interview , October 15, 2018

Chhaju Ram Goyal, BDS, director at All Sum Research Center , phone interview , October 16, 2018

Federal Government, ADA Emphasize Importance of Flossing and Interdental Cleaners , American Dental Association , August 4, 2016

Meet your guide

Nancy Redd is a senior staff writer covering health and grooming at Wirecutter. She is a GLAAD Award–nominated on-air host and a New York Times best-selling author. Her latest nonfiction book, The Real Body Manual , is a visual health and wellness guide for young adults of all genders. Her other books include Bedtime Bonnet and Pregnancy, OMG!

Further reading

The Best Electric Toothbrush

by Nancy Redd

We’ve tested 66 electric toothbrushes in hundreds of trials at the bathroom sink. The minimalist yet effective Oral-B Pro 1000 is our top pick.

Small Bathroom Ideas

by Alex Arpaia and Dorie Chevlen

After 20 hours researching dozens of organizing solutions, we recommend these items to maximize storage and keep small bathrooms clutter-free.

Most People Don’t Need This Fancy Toothbrush Feature. But I Do.

by Phillip Zminda

My dentist told me I’m brushing so hard that my gums are receding. My toothbrush’s pressure sensor is teaching me to brush right and keeping my gums healthy.

If You Hate Floss, It’s Okay to Try These Alternatives

by Sarah Witman

Experts with the ADA and the CDC told us five things to try if you hate regular floss—and what you should avoid.

When you use links on our website, we may earn a fee.

5 Best Water Flossers of 2024

Adding a water flosser to your dental hygiene routine can help keep your teeth clean by removing food particles and bacteria. As Dr. Steven Barefoot, DDS, clinical leader at DentaQuest, explains, “Water flossers work by emitting a jet of water under pressure through a narrow tip or nozzle. The water jet is directed between the teeth to dislodge debris and food particles from that space.”

If you’re searching for the best water flossers for your needs, we’ve highlighted some of the top countertop and cordless models below, including our top pick, the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser, which stands out for its 10 pressure settings and large-capacity water tank.

Table of Contents

• Best Water Flossers
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser  »

10 pressure settings

Comes with seven flosser tips

Large-capacity water tank

Difficult to pack for travel

Not cordless

The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser earns the top spot on our list. With 10 pressure settings, users can adjust the flow of water to match their comfort level and oral health needs. This flosser’s tank boasts the largest capacity of all the models on our list – it can hold 22 ounces of water, which is enough to allow for at least 90 seconds of flossing. This means most users won’t need to pause to refill the tank during a flossing session.

Waterpik includes seven flossing tips with each purchase: three Classic jet tips, one Orthodontic tip, one Pik Pocket tip, one Plaque Seeker tip, and one water flosser Stationary Toothbrush tip. With the 360-degree rotating handle, you’ll be able to find the ideal angle to clean your entire mouth with the tip you select.

To help users pace their flossing and ensure they cover all the areas in their mouth, the flosser offers a 30-second pacer and a one-minute timer. This is a corded model, so you won’t need to worry about recharging a battery. However, this means that it won’t be as easy to travel with as more portable options. Choose from four colors to coordinate with your bathroom’s decor : white, black, modern gray, and classic blue.

Aquasonic Aqua Flosser Standard  »

Relatively inexpensive

Compact size

Comes with four flosser tips

Limited pressure settings

Small-capacity water tank

With its retail price of about $50, the Aquasonic Aqua Flosser Standard is significantly more affordable than the other models on our list. This cordless flosser features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so you don’t need to be tied down to an outlet to use it. The battery can last up to a few weeks and takes just a few hours to fully charge. (The manufacturer recommends charging it overnight, however.) Its portable, battery-powered design makes it a suitable option for travel. A travel bag is included with each purchase to make packing easier.

Four flosser tips are included. Each has a colored base, allowing family members sharing the flosser to have their own easily identifiable tip. As a more budget-friendly pick, this flosser doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles you’ll find with more expensive options. It only has three pressure settings (Normal, Soft, and Pulse), and the water tank has a limited capacity of about 5 ounces of water, meaning you’ll likely need to refill it at least once to complete each flossing session.

Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 Water Flosser  »

Battery lasts for up to four weeks

Comes with travel bag

Tip rotates 360 degrees

Low-capacity water tank

Only three pressure settings

The Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 Water Flosser offers a compact and portable design, making it a suitable choice for those who travel or have limited counter space in their bathroom. It’s powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to four weeks of flossing. When the battery needs to charge, Waterpik’s rapid magnetic charging system gets the job done in just four hours. A microfiber travel bag is included with each purchase.

This flosser offers a waterproof design, so you can even multitask and clean your teeth while showering. It offers three pressure settings and has a 7-ounce water reservoir, which allows for 45 seconds of continuous flossing. Each purchase comes with two Classic jet tips, one Orthodontic tip, and one Plaque Seeker tip to meet the varying needs of each user.

MySmile Cordless Advanced OLED Water Flosser  »

Compact, cordless design

Lasts up to 20 days on a full charge

Includes travel pouch

Rotating nozzle

Comes with eight tips

No pause button

Pack the MySmile Cordless Advanced OLED Water Flosser in your suitcase or carry-on for your next adventure or work trip. This portable, cordless flosser is compact and comes with a travel pouch, making it easy to bring with you wherever you go. On a full charge, the battery lasts up to 20 days – you may not even need to charge it when you’re away! When the battery does need to be charged, simply connect the included USB-C charging cable to a computer or power bank.

The MySmile Cordless Advanced OLED Water Flosser has five cleaning modes to help users find the most comfortable setting for their teeth. The modes include Strong, Normal, Soft, Pulse, and Child. With its 11.83-ounce water tank, this model has the largest reservoir of the cordless models on our list. Each purchase comes with eight replacement jet tips, including two classic tips, one classic high-pressure tip, one classic low-pressure tip, one plaque seeker tip, one orthodontic tip, one pik pocket tip, and one tongue cleaner tip. Four different color options are available for this model: black, white, gray, and rose gold.

Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 7000  »

10 pressure intensities

Disperses X-shaped streams of water for better coverage

Uses Pulse Wave technology for gentle flossing

Only comes with three nozzles

The Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 7000 is ideal for those looking for the most premium flossing experience. With 10 different intensity levels, users can adjust the pressure to match their comfort preferences. Beyond the different intensity levels, this flosser offers four flossing modes for an even more customized experience: Clean, Deep Clean, Sensitive, and Massage.

The unique tip design of the Sonicare Power Flosser 7000 helps users deep-clean their teeth and gum lines. The flosser uses Pulse Wave technology, delivering gentle water pulses to help you target each area of your smile. Instead of the water coming straight out in a single stream, the Quad Stream tip allows four streams of water to shoot out in an X-shape. With this flow, you can remove more bacteria and food from your teeth. Each purchase includes three nozzles and a nozzle storage case.

The Bottom Line

“Getting a water flosser can be incredibly helpful to those who have plaque and tartar problems because it can get to areas more comfortably than using string floss,” says Dr. Fadi Swaida, DDS, a dentist at Bond Street Dental in Toronto, Canada. However, while many users can benefit from a water flosser, each person’s needs are unique and may be better suited to different models. We chose the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser as our top choice because of its high-capacity water tank, multiple pressure settings, and general ease of use. As you consider your specific needs, you may decide another option on our list is a better fit for you.

Things To Consider When Buying Water Flossers

Dimensions: “Choose a water flosser that will conveniently fit your countertop, will be easily accessible, and will support the size of the water reservoir that is needed,” says Dr. Barefoot. Each manufacturer should provide the dimensions for its products, which you can compare against the available space on your bathroom counter. As you assess where the flosser will fit in your space, don’t forget to consider outlet placement if you’re looking at a corded model.

If you prefer a portable flosser, you’ll still want to look at the dimensions to ensure it’ll fit inside your suitcase or carry-on bag. The dimensions of a portable water flosser can also impact how easy it’ll be to hold. While wall units feature a separate, thin cleaning wand, portable models have an all-in-one design, meaning the part you hold is wider. If you have small hands, some models may be too wide to comfortably hold, so comparing dimensions will be important to keep the flosser easy to use.

Tank Size: “The tank size of the water flosser is important because it determines how much water can be held before needing a refill,” says Dr. Irina Kessler, DDS, a cosmetic dentist at New York Family Dental Arts. She explains, “When flossing for longer periods, it is best to use a larger tank where there can be fewer refills.”

Some models with a larger tank (around 20 ounces) make it possible to floss for 90 seconds or longer at a time, eliminating the need to add more water within a given session. If the tank doesn’t have a large capacity, you’ll need to interrupt your flossing session to refill the water. This can be tedious and adds to the total time that you’ll be running the flosser.

Keep in mind that units with a larger-capacity tank are also likely to have a larger footprint, meaning they’ll take up more space on a counter. A larger-capacity model on a portable water flosser will make the unit heavier, especially when the tank is full. You’ll have to weigh your priorities to make the best decision for your needs and preferences.

Power Source: As you look for a new water flosser, you’ll notice there are countertop plug-in models and battery-powered options. There are benefits and drawbacks to each, but, ultimately, your personal preferences and needs can guide you in choosing the best type for you.

Water flossers that plug into the wall often offer more modes and settings than handheld models. You’ll also likely – but not necessarily – be able to exercise greater control over the intensity to find the ideal pressure for your teeth. While the overall units will be heavier, the wand on a countertop model is generally lighter and easier to hold and maneuver around your mouth. Countertop models also tend to have a larger water reservoir, meaning you’ll be able to floss without needing to interrupt your session to refill the water.

Cordless models, on the other hand, are more portable. They could be a better fit for individuals who travel frequently and want to bring their water flosser with them more easily. Compact in size, they won’t take up as much counter space, making them a better fit for small bathrooms. Dr. Barefoot also points out that “you may not have a convenient outlet to use and sometimes cord management is an issue, so a battery-powered flosser could be an attractive option." However, you need to consider battery life and how often the flosser needs to be charged. This will vary between manufacturers, so be sure to check the product specifications.  

Pressure Settings: “The most important thing to consider when buying a water flosser is getting one with adjustable pressure settings,” says Dr. Swaida. He explains, “Comfort is key and those with sensitive teeth will want more gentle settings." The number of pressure settings and intensity levels varies. Generally speaking, cordless models offer fewer settings than countertop options. Many of these models have between three and five intensity levels, while countertop plug-in models can have as many as 10.

If you haven’t used a water flosser before, many experts advise starting at a low-pressure setting before working up to higher pressures (if your teeth and gums will tolerate them). When the flosser you choose has multiple pressure settings, it makes it easier to find the one most comfortable for you.  

Nozzle Options: According to Dr. Swaida, ”Another key element of picking out the right water flosser is getting one with a fully equipped set of nozzles." He explains, “This will allow you to change how the flosser directs water to specific areas of your mouth and that could be important when getting to back teeth versus front teeth."

Classic jet tips are the nozzle types you’re most likely to find across different models. This tip delivers a strong flow of water to your teeth and the spaces between them, working to dislodge particles and remove plaque and bacteria. While some flossers only come with classic jet nozzles, others may come with options to suit a range of users and needs. For example, orthodontic tips are designed to be used by individuals with braces. The brush tip works around the brackets of the braces to effectively clean between teeth. Some other tip types you might see include periodontal tips, plaque seeker tips, and tongue cleaner tips.  

Warranty: Comparing the warranties offered by different manufacturers can be helpful when looking for the best water flosser. “A warranty provides assurance and protection against potential malfunctions or problems with the device. I would say to look for a water flosser with a warranty as that will give you peace of mind if any problems occur,” explains Kessler. The warranty offered can vary between manufacturers and even their specific water flossers. Some models may only have a one-year warranty (or even shorter), while others may come with a warranty of three years or more.

How We Chose the Best Water Flossers

Dr. Steven Barefoot , the clinical leader at DentaQuest; Dr. Fadi Swaida, a dentist at Bond Street Dental ; and Dr. Irina Kessler, a cosmetic dentist at New York Family Dental Arts , shared their expert tips and recommendations to help us put together this list of the best water flossers. In addition to considering their input, we’ve aimed to include a range of options to match the varying budgets, spaces, and preferences of our readers.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

A regular contributor to U.S. News 360 Reviews, Deirdre Mundorf , the author of this piece, has written about a range of home and health topics, including the best blue-light blocking glasses , water bottles , and compression socks . Mundorf’s work has also been featured in various other online publications, such as Bob Vila, USA Today, and Discover Magazine. Marlo Jappen Porto , who edited this piece, is a home goods editor at 360 Reviews, specializing in fitness and sleep content.

Dr. Swaida explains, “Flossers work by directing pressured water to crevices, gumline areas, and into areas that can be hard to get to using string floss.” Like string floss, the pressured water loosens and removes food stuck between the teeth. The water can also minimize plaque buildup by removing bacteria on or around the teeth.

Water flossers are designed to be used in conjunction with regular tooth brushing and flossing. They aren’t a replacement for either of these teeth-cleaning methods.

To use a water flosser, begin by filling the tank with warm water. Secure the tip to the flosser’s handle and position the flosser in front of your teeth. Turn the machine on and start cleaning between the teeth in the back of your mouth. As you slowly move the flosser around your mouth, be sure to also clean around the gum line and the backs of your teeth. The water from the flosser is pressurized, and because it comes out so strongly, it’s likely to splash around and make a bit of a mess, so you’ll want to lean over the sink to keep yourself and the counter as dry as possible.

Keeping your water flosser clean is important. Fortunately, it’s a relatively simple process, but you should still check the manufacturer's recommendations before beginning. Keep the exterior of the tank clean and free of dust and debris by wiping it with a damp towel . After cleaning the exterior, clean the interior of the tank. You may either hand-wash it with a gentle dish soap and warm water or clean it in the dishwasher (if allowed by the manufacturer).

In addition to cleaning the tank, you’ll want to clean the flosser wand and tip. Fill the tank with warm water and 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar. Turn the flosser on to run the cleaning solution through the wand, holding it over the sink. Rinse the components by filling the tank with plain water and running it through again. The tip can be cleaned by soaking it in water and distilled white vinegar (a 2-to-1 ratio). After soaking for five to 10 minutes, rinse the tip thoroughly. You should also replace the tip every three to six months to maintain appropriate water pressure and hygiene.

While the terms water flosser and water pik are sometimes used interchangeably, Waterpik is the name of a specific brand, while water flosser describes a type of product. Waterpik is just one type of water flosser.

The lifespan of a water flosser will vary based on the brand, how often it’s used, how it’s cared for and maintained, and other features. Most should last a minimum of one to two years, but many will last longer.

The tips for your water flosser should be replaced at least every six months if not every three months. Replacing these regularly is important for maintaining proper hygiene, just as you should replace your toothbrush every three months. Moreover, replacing the tips also helps maintain the appropriate water pressure. As minerals build up in old tips, it can decrease the pressure and, thus, the overall effectiveness of the flosser.

To get the most out of your water flosser and ensure that your teeth and gum line are properly cleaned, aim to use it for about two minutes once to twice per day.

“Some people find it easier to use a water flosser than to use dental floss,” says Dr. Barefoot. He explains, “This is true for people who have tried to floss regularly but lack the manual dexterity for traditional flossing to be successful.” Dr. Swaida adds that some “prefer water flossers over string floss because it is a more pleasant experience and water flossing doesn't cause gums with gingivitis to bleed like string flossing."

While using a water flosser may be a more pleasant experience, it shouldn’t replace using string floss. Dr. Barefoot explains that using a water flosser after traditional flossing will deliver the best oral health results. He says, “The floss removes or disrupts the disease-causing biofilm, and the water flosser removes any remnants from the space between the teeth.”

You should always consult with your dentist for recommendations for your specific oral health needs. That said, many dentists do recommend water flossers. Dr. Swaida says, “As a dentist, I can say that I do recommend water flossing but not necessarily over string flossing. Both achieve the same result of removing plaque and tartar but water flossing tends to encourage better oral care because it is more enjoyable. People who have a water flosser tend to floss daily while those who use string floss tend to avoid it.”

Similarly, Dr. Kessler says, “Water flossers should be used in conjunction with a traditional floss. First, floss everything stuck between your teeth, use the water floss, and then brush your teeth. I don’t recommend using a water flosser instead of traditional flossing, there’s no trick to eliminate traditional flossing.”

“A water flosser is an excellent way to keep teeth and braces clean and some patients use one after every meal to ensure that food debris is kept out of all the crevices that come with braces,” says Dr. Swaida. Some water flosser manufacturers offer special orthodontic tips for individuals with braces. Dr. Swaida notes that “You should use more gentle pressure” when using a water flosser with braces. He adds, “Those with braces may still need to use a string flosser to be sure every part of their braces remains clean.”

About Our Team

Deirdre Mundorf

Contributor

Marlo Jappen Porto

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Best Portable Water Flosser: Top 5 Cordless and Rechargeable

The best portable water flosser will help you keep your gums and teeth clean between your dental checkups. There are many water flossers to choose from, so we've come up with a list of our top five picks, according to common customer needs.

Keep reading to see why and how we've rated the best Waterpik portable flossers. Before we continue with our cordless water flosser reviews, if you're short on time, you can have a look at the table below for a quick summary.

Table of contents

• 1 What to look for in a cordless water flosser
• 2 Best overall: cariPRO water flosser
• 3 Best travel Waterpik: Waterpik WP-560 Cordless Advanced water flosser
• 4 Best coverage: Philips Cordless Power Flosser 3000
• 5 Best for braces: Panasonic Professional Water Flosser for Braces
• 6 Best budget: Nicwell Oral Irrigator
• 7 Water flosser basics
• 8 Conclusion

What to look for in a cordless water flosser

Flossing time.

Your portable water flosser should let you floss for about 45 seconds before running out of water. That's not to say that's how long you should floss for — in fact, many brands recommend flossing for one minute with a water flosser.

However, it would seem that most reputable water flosser brands have settled on 45 seconds of flossing as the sweet spot for not having a tiny reservoir that you have to fill up every 10 seconds, to one that is too bulky to handle comfortably.

45 seconds of flossing means the reservoir holds a little over 5 oz of water or around 155 ml.

It may not seem like a big deal at first, but unlike a countertop water flosser, which has a petite nozzle, a cordless water flosser has to carry its tank around with it, which can be quite heavy and bulky if designed poorly.

It should be easy and comfortable to grip and hold for at least one minute, or you're not going to want to floss. Words like ‘non-slip,' and ‘ergonomic' should come to mind during your search.

Battery life

If you want to bring your flosser with you on vacation, or you don't plan on having it plugged in all of the time, you'll want it to have a battery that lasts at least a couple of weeks. The battery range for portable water flossers tends to be from two weeks to one month.

Travel design

Some cordless water flossers come with travel cases or bags, so you can easily back them with you when you're on the go. Furthermore, some have a more compact design and a sleeker charging base — these are all things to look for if you'd like to travel with your flosser. As we mentioned above, a longer battery life is ideal for trips.

Best overall: cariPRO water flosser

Our top pick for best overall water flosser is the cariPRO . It is designed for all of your needs — whether you are always on the go with business trips, or you are looking for a flosser to use at home.

It's also designed with different oral health needs in mind, like gum disease, people with prostheses, braces wearers, or those who just want to take better care of their mouths.

What's more, it goes beyond everything you should look for in a portable water flosser (mentioned above):

• Flossing time: The cariPRO has a reservoir that holds 155 ml of water, for 45 seconds of non-stop flossing
• Grip: It has an ergonomic design with a slim grip, designed with soft-touch material
• Battery life: This flosser lasts a whopping 28 days on a single charge (plus it charges in just 5 hours)
• Travel: The cariPRO's extra-long battery life and compact design make it ideal for taking it with you on-the-go

This flosser also has the following stand-out features:

• 3 modes: Normal, soft, and pulse
• Waterproof design: Use it in the shower or bath
• 4 floss tops: Standard, Orthodontic, Brush (implants, crowns, and bridges) Pocket (periodontal pockets and furcations)

You can order the cariPRO now risk-free with a 60-day trial . That means you can use it for two months, and if you don't like it, you can return it for a full refund.

Best travel Waterpik: Waterpik WP-560 Cordless Advanced water flosser

Waterpik is one of the biggest names in the water flosser game, and the Waterpik Cordless Advanced WP-560 model has various features that make it another good choice.

It's topping our list as the best cordless Waterpik for taking with you on your trips because it is compatible with global voltage and it comes with a storage case for the flossing tips, a special water plug, and a micro-fiber travel bag, so you can pack it away neatly in your bags.

This Waterpik cordless water flosser is accepted by the American Dental Association and uses a combination of water pulsations and pressure to clean between teeth and along the gumline.

The highlights of this Waterpik rechargeable water flosser are:

• Fast charging: The charger connects magnetically and charges in just 4 hours, with an LED light indicating when it's finished
• Travel-friendly: It is compatible with global voltage and comes with a micro-fiber travel water flosser bag, tip storage case, and water plug
• 3 settings: Customize the water pressure for maximum clean and comfort
• Flossing time: The reservoir holds 7 ounces for 45 seconds of non-stop flossing
• 4 tips: 2 Classic Jet Tips, 1 Orthodontic Tip, and 1 Plaque Seeker Tip

Best coverage: Philips Cordless Power Flosser 3000

The Philips Cordless 3000 features a unique design wherein four wider streams of water come out of the tip, as opposed to the thinner stream that most flossers have. This, combined with pulse wave technology, offers greater coverage with less movement, plus a gentler feel on your gums.

This flosser is also designed to be especially quiet when you floss, so you don't wake anybody up, and it has an extra-large reservoir for a cordless water flosser, so you can floss for a full minute without stopping.

The main features of the Philips water flosser are:

• Quad Stream: 4 wide streams of water form an X to cover more surface area
• Whisper quiet: Let you floss without waking or disturbing anyone else
• Pulse-wave technology: Gentle on your gums and guides you from tooth to tooth
• Extra-large reservoir: Lets you floss for 60 seconds without stopping
• 2 modes: Clean and deep clean for that extra oompf
• 2 nozzles: You can mix it up between Quad Stream and Standard

Best for braces: Panasonic Professional Water Flosser for Braces

As it is clear by the product name, the Panasonic Professional Water Flosser for Braces is designed to be the best water flosser for braces. That's because it features a 2-in-1 design, with two heads:

• Tuft brush: This head features a tufted brush that delivers a stream of water while at the same time scrubbing away plaque to remove more debris and plaque from under and around wires and brackets
• Water jet nozzle: This head features a spout that lets you clean along the gumline, ensuring you evacuate any remaining debris from your gum pockets

You can also choose from three settings — a high-pressure water jet, a pulsating stream of water mixed with air, or a softer mode for gentle gum stimulation. Plus, it features an ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold, and it's compact so you can take it with you on vacation.

Best budget: Nicwell Oral Irrigator

At under $40, the Nicwell Oral Irrigator is our top budget pick. It may go easy on your wallet, but it's still tough on plaque, with 1,400 – 1,800 water pulses per minute, removing deeply tucked away debris, massaging gums, and promoting healthy blood circulation.

The Nicwell doesn't have quite as many features as some of the more premium options mentioned above, but it still has some great additions that will help keep your teeth and gums clean:

• 4 pressure settings: Choose from normal, soft, pulse, and custom
• Ergonomic handle : An ergonomic grip with a gentle slope makes it comfortable to hold
• Waterproof : Take it with you in the shower or bath — no problem!
• Multiple tips: It comes with 3 standard tips, so the family can floss, plus an ortho tip and a tongue scraper

Water flosser basics

Before you buy a water flosser, there are a couple of things you should know, like the advantages of using a water flosser, as well as how it fits into your oral hygiene routine. You should also be clear on the differences between a countertop and a cordless flosser, so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle and needs.

Pros and cons of using a water flosser

Can a water flosser replace flossing.

A water flosser is not meant to be a replacement for flossing your teeth with traditional dental floss. Instead, it is meant to supplement your regular flossing routine. That being said, there are some dentists who give patients with special circumstances the go-ahead to use a water flosser instead of regular dental floss, like if they have braces, or if they have especially sensitive gums.

And — you didn't read this here — but, if it's between you never flossing and you using a water flosser regularly, then a water flosser will certainly do a good job helping to keep your gums and teeth healthy between your dental checkups. Studies have shown that water flossing is as effective as regular flossing at removing plaque from teeth.

In the video below, a dental hygienist explains how to use a water flosser and why she recommends that her patients use them.

Countertop vs cordless water flosser

Both countertop and cordless water flossers will do an equally good job cleaning your teeth and gums. However, if you have the countertop space available, and you're not looking for a water flosser to take with you when you travel, then you may find that a countertop model is more comfortable.

That's because the handle is lighter and easier to hold, plus the reservoir is much larger, so you don't have to stop mid-floss to refill it. A countertop model might also have additional features, like more pressure settings and timers.

However, cordless water flossers have a sleeker, more minimalist appeal, and they don't need to be plugged in to work, so they don't require a bathroom with an electric socket.

You have a lot of options when you're looking for a handheld water flosser. Here's a summary of our top picks for the best rechargeable water flosser:

• Best Waterpik portable overall: cariPRO water flosser
• Best travel water flosser: WaterPik Cordless Advanced WP-560
• Best cordless water pick for coverage: Phillips Cordless 3000
• Best Waterpik cordless for braces: Panasonic Professional Water Flosser for Braces
• Best cheap portable Waterpik: Nicwell Oral Irrigator

We hope you choose the best one for your needs so you can start taking better care of your gums and teeth now.

What is the best cordless water flosser to buy?

Our top pick for a cordless water flosser is the cariPRO water flosser . It features three modes — normal, soft, and pulse — for personalized flossing, and specialized tips based on your needs.

What is the best cordless water flosser on the market?

We think that the cariPRO water flosser made by Smile Brilliant is the best portable Waterpik water flosser. It has specialty flossing tips for braces, implants, and more, and modes for customization.

NIH: Comparison between water flosser and regular floss in the efficacy of plaque removal in patients after single use . Consulted 4th November 2022.

Don't worry, we won't share your email with any third parties.

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The 5 Best Water Flossers, Tested By Dentists

Picks from Waterpik and Burst crowned the top spots.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Obviously there are benefits to flossing, like removing debris and plaque from between your teeth , helping to prevent gum disease and reducing the likelihood of bad breath (to name just a few). But there are also reasons we tend to avoid flossing, like pain, inflammation and, in some cases, bleeding. If you’re one of those people who avoids flossing, water flossers could be the answer to your problems. “Research shows that oral irrigation, such as using a water flosser once or twice a day can help reduce plaque, gingivitis and gum disease,” says New York-based cosmetic dentist Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS .

Best Water Flossers

Best Overall Water Flosser

Waterpik ion professional cordless water flosser teeth cleaner.

Best Portable Water Flosser

Burst water flosser.

Best Designed Water Flosser

Quip cordless water flosser.

“Almost anyone can benefit from using a water flosser,” says Joyce Kahng, DDS , a cosmetic dentist in Orange County, CA, especially if they have implants, bridges or braces that can make flossing difficult. However, she notes, “it’s important to know that water flossing is not a complete alternative to string flossing - it’s an adjunct.”

Most dentists, including Dr. Kahng, recommend using a water flosser in addition to traditional flossing. However, if you’re not flossing at all right now, adding a water flosser to your routine is better than nothing. As for which water flosser to use, well, that depends on a few things. These are the best dentist-recommended water flossers for every budget, lifestyle and skill level.

What To Consider

Tabletop or portable.

Originally, water flossers were big hulking contraptions that took up a ton of space in your bathroom. Thankfully, technology has shrunk them down into a variety of options, even portable versions, but size is still a deciding factor in which water flosser you should choose. “I prefer the tabletop models because they have a large water reservoir,” says Dr. Kahng. “The portable ones are great for travel and can even be used in the shower, though they require frequent refilling due to their smaller reservoirs.”

When choosing a water flosser, think about how much space you have in your bathroom, how often you can handle refilling the water reservoir, access to a plug (most tabletop water flossers need to be plugged in to be used) and whether you want to be able to take your water flosser on the road with you.

Corded or Cordless

Typically, water flossers need to be plugged into a power source to be used, especially if they are larger, tabletop models. If that’s the sort of model you want, make sure you have space in your bathroom that close to a wall outlet or other plug-in power source so you can use it comfortably at your sink (the hoses only stretch so far). Portable models and some smaller tabletop designs are cordless, which is convenient if you have a small bathroom or take it on the go with you, but you’ll likely sacrifice some power and you’ll need to be conscious of battery life and charge time.

Reservoir Capacity

A water flosser’s reservoir is the tank that holds all the water that is then cycled through the machine to clean your teeth. As Dr. Kahng noted, tabletop models tend to have larger reservoirs, which means you’ll have to refill them less. Smaller reservoirs will usually hold at least the amount of water needed for an effective water flossing session, but you’ll need to refill them often (sometimes as often as before every use).

Water Pressure

“The important thing [for a water flosser is] its ability to pressure wash in between the teeth and below the gumline in a uniform fashion,” says Los Angeles-based cosmetic dentist John Marashi, DDS , and that all comes down to water pressure. Many water flossers will allow for a range of pressures depending on your sensitivity and comfort level.

“10-100 psi is the acceptable range and 70-80 psi is my sweet spot,” advises Nicolas Aguilera , a cosmetic dentist at Apa Aesthetic in New York City. “Too little pressure and nothing is happening, but too strong can damage gums and soft tissue.” It’s beneficial to choose a water flosser that has multiple pressure settings so you can find what works best for you (and change it up if you need to), but if your model has just one, make sure it’s in the right range.

“Many water flossers come with a few different tips and you want to be mindful of which tip you’re using and how to use it,” says Dr. Aguilera. The classic tip is meant for everyday use and pretty much all models will come with that. Others you might see included are a special tip for orthodontics, a toothbrush tip, a tongue cleaner tip, and specific models meant to be used with types of dental work like bridges and implants. Most people can get away with using just the classic tip, but if you have dental work, orthodontics, or may want additional cleaning options, look for a model that comes with additional tips.

Like toothpastes and toothbrushes, the American Dental Association gives certain water flosser models their seal of approval after testing them to see if they clean effectively and safely. Dr. Aguilera recommends choosing a model that has an ADA seal to make sure it’s going to do the best job cleaning your teeth.

How We Selected

To find the absolute best water flossers for men, our intrepid team of testers and dentists have tried several different types, and evaluated each one based on their effectiveness, size, and ease of use.

Both Dr. Kahng and Dr. Aguilera recommend Waterpik water flossers, especially this one, because “they’re products tend to last longer” and this one specifically is “reliable and durable,” says Dr. Kahng. It’s a classic tabletop model with a few upgrades that integrate professional style water flossing with user friendly versatility.

Because it’s a larger tabletop model, it’s packed with features like 10 different pressure settings, a large water reservoir that allows for 90 seconds of water flossing and a built-in timer that pauses every 30 seconds to help you keep track of the time (so you know if you’ve spent too much time on one area, for instance). It also comes with seven different tips and a rotating head that allows you to reach every nook and cranny of your teeth and gums.

All those features are packed into a small but mighty package. This tabletop model is smaller than many others (it’s only about 6 inches by 6 inches) and best of all, the entire base is rechargeable, so you don’t have to keep it plugged in to use it. That’s a godsend for people with small bathrooms or limited outlets. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery holds about 4 weeks of charge, so even if you use it every day, you only need to charge it once a month. There’s even an LED charge indicator to let you know when the battery is running low.

Read more: Best Oral Hygiene Products

When you choose a portable water flosser, you often need to sacrifice some features only because they’re smaller devices with less space to pack in technology. This portable flosser, however, seems to have hardly sacrificed any. Notably, the lengthy charge (up to 80 days!) which Dr. Khang says is why she recommends this one for patients looking for a portable option. It’s charged with a USB, as well, which means you don’t have to hunt down a special cord every time you charge it (or carry it with you on the go).

In terms of cleaning ability, this one is powerful with 160 psi pressure. While you can’t choose your own pressure, there are three different settings - standard (the gentlest), turbo (stronger) and a pulsing mode that is meant to massage your gums. The head also rotates, allowing you to easily clean hard to reach areas of your mouth and get in all the nooks and crannies.

The reservoir is on the small side, which is expected in a portable device, but the whole package is water resistant which means you can use it in the shower if that’s the kind of thing you want to do. The reservoir is easy to refill, as well, and you don’t need to take the whole thing apart in order to refill it, which is the case with some other portable models.

We hate to say it, but lots of water flossers rely on functionality and aren’t necessarily the nicest to look at. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but for those of us that like form and function, the Quip water flosser sits perfectly in the middle of that venn diagram. This sleek, well-designed water flosser looks great sitting on your bathroom counter but also effectively cleans your teeth both at home and on the go.

From a functionality standpoint, “Quip’s technology can’t be beat,” says Dr. Rubinshtein. “It has a rotating magnetic floss tip, two pressure modes, two water flow settings, plus a large reservoir with extra-wide top-open lid and magnetic charging cable.” Those two pressure modes, gentle and deep clean, allow you to choose your pressure based on your comfort level (we suggest starting with gentle since the brand doesn’t disclose the exact psi) and the water flow modes allow for either a continuous steady stream of water or “on demand,” meaning the water only flows when you’re pressing the button. That’s a good thing if you’re trying to reach certain areas or if you’re new to water flossing.

The large (for a portable device) water reservoir is the full length of the flosser itself, allowing for more water storage and thus a longer floss time (a full 60 seconds on gentle mode). It’s also easy to refill, with a, flip up top, but we should note that it works best if you have a pretty deep sink to get the full device under the faucet. The magnetic charging cable is innovative as well, and uses a USB adapter to plug in to the wall (though the charging cord itself is custom). Overall, it’s a sleek, well designed water flosser that pretty much anyone will find effective.

Waterpik Aquarius

When you think of a water flosser, this is probably what you picture. It’s one of the more classic models from Waterpik, which remember both Dr. Aguilera and Dr. Kahng endorse (they both mentioned this one by name as well). It’s on the larger size - in fact, it’s the largest on this list - so you’ll need ample room in your bathroom to store it - not to mention an easily accessible wall plug to keep it plugged in. But if you have both of those things, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better water flosser than this one.

From a features standpoint, this has it all. There are 10 different pressure settings, which are easily changed with a dial on the side, that allow you to adjust the pressure between 10 and 100 psi so you can find the exact right pressure for your comfort level. There are two modes (floss and massage) and it comes with seven different interchangeable tips. There is also a built-in timer that pauses every 30 seconds that allows you to easily keep track of how long you’ve been flossing, not to mention a swiveling head that allows you to clean even the smallest nooks and crannies of your mouth.

Since this water flosser is large, the water reservoir is equally large. It holds 22 ounces of water, which allows for a full 90 seconds of flossing without the need to refill. It’s also dishwasher safe, which means cleaning is a breeze. If space isn’t an issue for you, and you don’t care about portability, this classic water flosser is one of your best bets from both a functional and efficacy standpoint.

Proclaim Custom-Jet Oral Health System

Calling this futuristic device a water flosser may be dumbing it down a bit. Unlike traditional water flossers which use a small tip to manually clean between your teeth, the way you would use traditional floss, and are recommended to be used in addition to flossing, the Proclaim “pulses 22 ounces of water through a [custom made] mouthpiece in just 7 seconds and can replace flossing,” says Dr. Marashi, who was not a fan of water flossers until he tried this.

Here’s how it works: you visit an accredited dentist who makes a 3D scan of your mouth which is then used to create a custom mouthpiece. Once the mouthpiece is made, it can be attached to the machine, which then floods water through the mouthpiece into your mouth with precision. Using it takes a bit of getting used - you have to lean over your sink to allow the water to drain - but the whole process is a fraction of the time it takes to use a traditional water flosser and without any movement on your part.

“The custom-fitted mouthpiece allows for precision placement of the water jets and each area is subjected to the same amount of time and volume of water,” says Dr. Marashi. “It eliminates user error, removes both food and bacteria and can improve overall oral health.” It’s a high price tag for a water flosser, but the ease of use and effectiveness makes it ideal for beginners to advanced users and the same device can be used with multiple custom mouthpieces so more than one person in your household can safely use it.

How To Use a Water Flosser

Most water flossers, except the Proclaim which uses a custom mouthpiece, can be used the same way. Using the proper tip (most people can use the classic tip - unless you have certain kinds of dental work), “start by following along your gum line” before moving into the areas between your teeth, says Dr. Kahng. “It’s best to begin at a low setting and work your way up to a high setting as your gums adapt.”

Remember you want hard-but-tolerable pressure in order to adequately clean between your teeth and gums. Pressure that is too low won’t be effective. Position the tip at a 90-degree angle to your teeth and gums and make sure it’s not touching or resting on your gums.

Most dentists recommend following a water flossing session with traditional floss to really make sure you clean between teeth effectively, especially if you don’t have much space between teeth. If you want, you can use traditional floss in the morning and a water flosser in the evening, says Dr. Aguilera. He also says that you can “increase the antibacterial benefits of your water flosser by filling the water basin with a combination of alcohol-free mouth rinse and water.”

Meet the Experts

• Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS , is a cosmetic dentist in New York, NY
• Joyce Kahng, DDS , is a cosmetic dentist in Orange County, CA
• John Marashi, DDS , is a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles, CA
• Nicolas Aguilera, DDS , is a cosmetic dentist at Apa Aesthetic in New York, NY

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The best water flossers of 2024 for whiter and healthier teeth, with advice from a dentist

I've spent weeks trying and testing the best water flossers to clean between the teeth and along the gum line

How many of us can look our dentist in the eye and promise we’ve been flossing once a day? Flossing has always been the first thing to go from my morning routine when I’m in a rush to get out of the door to work and the last thing on my mind before climbing into bed. Luckily for my teeth, my tune has changed since testing some of the best water flossers on the market.

Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, are completely different from the painful, harsh and environmentally unfriendly ways of traditional flossing tape. So, what is a water flosser? Dr Khurrum Hussain, a dentist and clinical periodontist at Bupa Dental Care explains, “These devices use a steady high-pressure, or pulsating stream of water to target the areas between the teeth near the gum line.”

They’re particularly useful for anyone with braces or who’s had dental work like bridges, simply because water flossers are more effective than tape at targeting those hard to reach areas. Using a water flosser to dislodge plaque from the gum line and any food particles causing discolouration can also help to whiten your teeth .

You can read more about the benefits of water flossers with advice from Dr Khurrum Hussain below , along with my own tried and tested reviews of this year’s best. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at my top five:

Which are the best water flossers in 2024? At a glance

• Best water flosser overall - Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser
• Best value water flosser - Binefia Water Flosser
• Most hygienic water flosser - Spotlight Water Flosser with UV Steriliser
• Best water flosser for power - Philips 3000 Cordless Power Flosser
• Best budget water flosser - Ordo Hydro Sonic+ Cordless Water Flosser

How to use a water flosser

Use a water flosser before brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste, advises Dr Khurrum Hussain. “This allows debris to be removed from the spaces between the teeth, enabling better fluoride absorption from the toothpaste onto the enamel.” 

Always fill the reservoir with water. Dr Khurrum warns that using mouthwash instead of water can cause staining. He also advises, “If you have sensitive teeth, using lukewarm water can be less triggering.”

In terms of technique, position the end of the tip a few millimetres away from your teeth. Dr Khurrum says, “Direct the stream towards the gum, aiming for the spaces between the teeth to remove trapped debris. If you have gaps between your teeth, angle the nozzle towards each tooth.” 

For practicality’s sake, he suggests closing your mouth around the nozzle to prevent splash back. “It typically takes two to four minutes to clean your entire mouth,” he adds.

How I tested the best water flossers

Once I got the hang of the water flossing technique (several sodden mirror episodes later), I tested each water flosser below for at least a week each. The three main things I evaluated were the water reservoir capacity and therefore how long each ran before needing a refill, the usefulness of the different mode options and the effectiveness of the head attachments. I also took into account any handy features like travel cases and self-cleaning functions. Here is what I found, starting with my favourite...

The best water flossers of 2024

1. waterpik cordless advanced water flosser.

£93.02, Amazon

Best water flosser overall

We like: simple to use and packs away neatly

We don’t like: it requires frequent refills

• 210ml water tank capacity
• Low, medium and high pressure intensity modes
• Four heads including orthodontic tip, plaque-seeker tip and two classic high-pressure jet tips

This Waterpik Cordless Advanced is my overall pick for the best water flosser because, in my eyes, it’s almost perfect. It has three modes, low, medium and high and four attachment heads. I’d recommend starting out on the low mode as water flossing is quite a strange sensation if you haven’t tried it before. I’ve built my way up and now favour the high mode and I’ve really noticed a difference in my gum line and overall mouth health.

The attachments include two classic high-pressure jet tips for everyday use with different coloured collars, so you can share with a partner or family member. Secondly, a plaque-seeker tip with three thin tufts of bristles, which are designed to touch the teeth to gently dislodge plaque settled in crevices. This one works best for anyone with dental implants, crowns, bridges or veneers. 

The third type of head is an orthodontic tip, with a tapered tip to remove bacteria and food debris from around the teeth and under the gums. It’s especially effective for anyone with braces.

I do have two minor complaints. The first is that this Waterpik doesn’t come with a tongue-cleaner tip like others on this list, although you can purchase a pack of two on Amazon for £10.64 at the time of writing. My second is that the water reservoir is only 210ml, meaning it needs refilling every 45 seconds or so. 

That said, I only spend around two minutes water flossing as per Dr Khurrum’s advice so I only have to refill it twice. If you think this is going to get on your nerves, it might be worth looking at the Waterpik Ultra Professional Water Flosser which has a much bigger water tank, separate to the flosser.

2. Binefia Water Flosser

£33.99, Amazon

Best value water flosser

We like: the case makes it great for travel

We don’t like: the grip at the back is a little sharp

• 300ml water tank capacity
• Five pressure intensities including soft, gentle, normal, strong, pulse
• Six heads including two classic jet tips, one toothbrush tip, one orthodontic tip, one periodontal tip and one tongue cleaner

This Binefia water flosser surprised me the most of any I tried. If I’m being completely honest, I saw the price point and the unknown brand name and made a judgement. How wrong I was. This water flosser is my best value choice on this list because it has six jet tip attachments, a 300ml water reservoir, a sturdy travel case which has compartments to hold the attachments and charger and premium-feeling metal buttons.

Included in the box are two classic jet tips and an orthodontic tip, which are pretty much identical to those from Waterpik. But there’s also a periodontal tip with a soft tip to target periodontal pockets, a tongue cleaner (self-explanatory) and a toothbrush. I love the idea of having one device to both brush and floss my teeth although expectedly it’s not as effective as an actual toothbrush. 

A small niggle is that the ridged grip at the back of this water flosser is a little sharp, especially as you have to have a decent hold while manoeuvring around your mouth. I also find it a little unnecessary that there are quite so many attachments, unless you’re buying a water flosser specifically to help periodontal pockets. But all in all, it’s a great value workhorse.

3. Spotlight Water Flosser with UV Steriliser

Currently £72, Spotlight Oral Care (Also available at LookFantastic for £120 )

Most hygienic water flosser

We like: the UV-C LED steriliser eliminates bacteria

We don’t like: some parts feel a little cheap

• 400ml water tank capacity
• Gentle, clean and pulse modes
• Four heads including classic jet, orthodontic spray tip, periodontal pocket sprinkler and tongue scraper

Spotlight’s water flosser has the biggest water capacity of any I tried thanks to the 400ml reservoir. It was the only one I didn’t have to refill part-way through my clean. The modes include gentle, clean and pulse, plus a UV setting to sterilise any bacteria inside the water tank.

The heads included are pretty standard although, again, I appreciated the inclusion of a tongue scraper. I found myself switching between the classic jet and the tongue scraper most often. The other two would work well for anyone with any dental concerns. 

I thought the UV-C LED sterilisation was inspired. I found the water tanks on the other water flossers I tried quite tricky to clean, because the openings tended to be quite narrow. For that reason they’re also quite hard to dry and ended up having droplets stuck inside until my next use. The prospect of bacteria did concern me. This Spotlight water flosser solves that.

It should come as no surprise that this is such an excellent option, since it has been designed by Dr Lisa and Dr Vanessa Creaven, dentists and founders of Spotlight Oral Care. The only reason it’s not in my number one spot is that the water tank and the attachments feel a little cheap and plasticky. The actual flosser unit feels more premium, with silver buttons and branding. 

4. Philips 3000 Cordless Power Flosser

£119.99, John Lewis

Best water flosser for power

We like: the quad stream technology is surprisingly effective

We don’t like: you only get two attachments

• 250ml water tank capacity
• Clean mode and deep clean mode with three intensities each
• Two heads including one standard nozzle and one quad stream nozzle

In contrast to every other water flosser I tried, the Philips is tall and thin rather than squat and wide. For that reason it’s trickier to fit into a cupboard, although it’s easy to disassemble or pack into the provided travel bag. I also found it easier than others to hold in my hand, because the unit isn’t so wide.

The most impressive thing about this Philips is the ‘quad stream’ technology. Whereas the tip on every other water flosser I reviewed offers a straight flow of water, Philips’ quad stream head is X-shaped, to separate the flow into four water jets (as shown on the box, above). The result was a faster clean, so although the water tank isn’t wholly impressive at 250ml, I only had to refill it once to cover my whole mouth.

This water flosser has three intensity modes which can also be used under the regular clean function for a continuous flow, or the deep clean mode for a pulse effect. A pulsating water setting is more effective than a continuous flow for shifting stubborn food particles.  

Overall it’s a fresh take in a market where a lot of water flossers aren’t doing much different to each other. I just wish it came with more than two attachments.

5. Ordo Hydro Sonic+ Cordless Water Flosser

Best budget water flosser

We like: excellent quality matte black surface

We don’t like: the water tank isn’t transparent, so you can’t see how much you have left

• 260ml water tank capacity
• Low, medium and high pressure settings
• Two jet tips

Ordo is an eco-friendly oral hygiene company determined to keep innovative dental hygiene within your budget. Their brand new water flosser is dentist-approved and competes with higher end products in terms of features and performance. 

There are three pressure settings which offer up to 2,000 water pulsations per minute, plus a DIY pulse button and two jet tips with different coloured collars so you can share the unit with someone else. It’s a little disappointing that this water flosser only comes with one type of jet tip, although I suppose that’s part of the reason Ordo can keep the cost down. 

My only other slight complaint is that the water tank isn’t transparent, so you can’t keep track of how much water you have left. Nevertheless, I think Ordo has done an excellent job at keeping the price down on a powerful and premium feeling water flosser. It’s a small thing, but even the iPhone-style packaging makes this product feel luxurious; releasing the top box from the bottom is a sensory experience in itself.

6. Hangsun Water Flosser

£29.99, Amazon

Best water flosser for braces

We like: the large water reservoir means less refilling

We don’t like: bulkier in hand than others

• Normal, soft and pulse modes
• Eight heads including five regular jet tips, a tongue scraper and two different plaque removers

Coming with an impressive eight attachments, which granted is a little unnecessary, is this Hangsun Water Flosser. It’s the bestselling product in Amazon’s “power flossers and irrigators” category with more than 10,000 ratings, the majority of them five star. It’s fair to say I was intrigued.

On first impressions I thought it looked and felt a little plasticky. It’s also bulkier than others I tried, which made it trickier to grip. If I’m being super picky, I also found the indented handle too high up on the device for comfort. It meant my hand was too close to the tip, which meant I couldn’t reach it quite as far into my mouth as I would have liked to. This was especially a problem for reaching the molars at the back of my mouth. It’s fine if you don’t mind holding the handle further down.

However it couldn’t be easier to use, with three intensity modes and a power button. I stand by my point that eight heads is unnecessary, but it’s useful having the choice and means you don’t have to buy specialist heads, as you do with the Waterpik at the top of our list. For the price, I think it’s a great buy.

7. Pecham Water Flosser

£23.99, Amazon

Best water flosser for ease of use

We like: swapping heads is a doddle

We don’t like: it’s quite heavy when full

• Normal, soft, pulse and DIY modes
• Four heads including three jet tips and one plaque remover

The cheapest on this list and the easiest to use, this Pecham water flosser is the one to buy for dipping your toes into the water flossing world before breaking the bank on a premium brand. It features a 300ml water reservoir, which is on the larger side, and has normal, soft, pulse and DIY (customisable pressure) modes and four attachments.

This water flosser is quite basic, with no particularly discernible features, but it does share qualities with more expensive flossers. For starters it’s IPX7 rated waterproof, meaning you can use it in the shower, has a plaque remover head and comes with a waterproof travel bag.

It certainly can’t match the pressure of water flossers at the top of this list, but it’s a decent affordable option that left my mouth fresh and clean.

Water flossers FAQ

Do dentists recommend water flossers.

Yes. Periodontist Dr Khurrum Hussain says, “I recommend using oral irrigators alongside an effective tooth-brushing technique, focusing on toothbrushes and interdental brushes.” He adds, “Oral irrigators are particularly beneficial for patients undergoing orthodontic therapy who may have difficulty using interdental brushes or dental floss.” 

However, Dr Khurrum recommends that those diagnosed with deep periodontal pockets stick to interdental brushes instead of water flossers, even if using a specialist attachment.

Are water flossers safe for sensitive gums?

Yes, water flossers are safe for sensitive gums. “The pressure from oral irrigators usually does not trigger sensitive gums,” confirms Dr Khurrum. “If sensitivity is triggered, then reduce the pressure of the oral irrigator or the frequency of use, which will allow irrigated gums to normalise.” He recommends seeking advice from your dentist if the sensation is persistent.

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The best water flossers for a dentist-like clean

Take the faff out of flossing with the GHI's top-rated gadgets

While flossing should be regarded as just as important as brushing itself, it's an extra job that can get neglected. However, electric water flossers, much like electric toothbrushes decades ago, are revolutionising the market, helping to take the faff out of flossing. Alongside teeth whitening kits , they're becoming a must-have on bathroom shelves.

That’s because flossing is the best way to dislodge the little bits of food that lurk in those hard-to-reach places, preventing plaque build-up and helping to keep your pearly whites looking bright for longer. It can also help reduce bad breath and gum inflammation, and who doesn’t want that?

As with any gadget, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. So, the Good Housekeeping Institute put a range of market-leading models through their paces — you'll find a quick guide to the best ones below, but read on for more detail.

Best water flossers 2024

Joint best water flosser

Spotlight water flosser with uv steriliser.

Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000

Best value water flosser

H2ofloss water flosser.

Best for sensitive teeth

Binefia portable oral irrigator.

Best water flosser for braces

Waterpik ultra cordless water jet flosser wp450, do dentists recommend using a water flosser.

Anything that helps people clean interdentally (between the teeth and gums) at home is a good thing from your dentist's perspective. “Water flossers are a brilliant addition to interdental cleaning and can even be used with mouthwash (or diluted mouthwash) in them to give antibacterial action between the teeth and gums,” says Harley Street dentist Dr Richard Marques .

“An estimated 40% of tooth surface is between the teeth, so cleaning this way is very important for gum and dental health,” he adds. Although it's important to note that water flossing should be used to supplement your current dental routine. Don’t worry, though, you don’t need to brush, water floss and manually floss each day (phew!), but it’s good practice to keep manually flossing when you can.

“Nothing can fully replace the mechanical action of floss (or interdental brushes), so we still recommend doing this occasionally,” Dr Richard explains.

Do water flossers really help?

Water flossers are a great way to improve your overall dental hygiene.

“They help to clear plaque and food debris and reduce gingival (gum) bleeding,” Dr Richard says. They can also help you reach difficult areas, including the back of your mouth and behind braces or fixed retainers.

How we test water flossers

Our panel blind tested a range of market-leading water flossers over a two-week period. They assessed how easy the flosser was to use, as well as commenting on its design and overall performance.

At the GHI , our experts used the VISIA image analysis machine to assess how effective the water flossers were at removing plaque and food deposits on the buccal surfaces of the teeth.

Images were analysed by dental health professional Farah Karim who visually graded the difference in the appearance of our panellists' teeth before and after using the water flosser. In the lab, our experts also checked noise level, weight, size and run-time (i.e. how long the water tank lasted without needing to be refilled).

Score 83/100

This super-powerful brush gave what our testers described as a “dentist quality” clean. It features a hydro gravity ball, allowing it to continuously spray water, whatever angle you hold it at. The flosser's speedy charging and unique UV sterilisation mode, which removes potentially harmful bacteria from the water, also won points with the panel.

This flosser has the largest water tank of all the models on test, and it's also bigger than Spotlight’s previous model. This means you won't have to refill halfway through flossing — bonus — although some testers found it made it a little harder to hold.

Key specifications

This is another stellar gadget loved by our testers. With a smaller tank than the Spotlight flosser, the panel found this one was easy to fill up and use. They also liked that it has six different settings, allowing them to select the perfect pressure for them.

Panellists also said it was easy to angle around their mouths to get to those hard-to-reach areas and dislodge any leftover debris post-brushing.

Score 77/100

Holding enough water for a full minute of flossing, this was a big tick for our testers, who all said their teeth felt cleaner after using it. And despite its low price tag, it still comes with a “gravity ball” at the end of the tube, which ensures water comes out of the flosser no matter which direction it's pointed in — so you can reach all the nooks and crannies easily.

Some testers found the buttons to be awkwardly placed, but it's a minor quibble for the price.

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, don't assume water flossing isn't for you. The Binefia has been especially designed for sensitive teeth with a ‘soft’ setting that it claims it's so gentle even children can use it.

Aside from its sensitivity claims, the panel found the machine easy to grip and control and it lasted “long enough to do the whole mouth without refilling.” It also comes with a handy travel bag to keep all the attachments together.

Score 72/100

For anyone who has braces or fixed retainers that sit behind the teeth, you'll know that flossing isn't easy, or always successful. But the Waterpik Cordless Plus won praise for both from our panel and in the lab, where it was the most effective at removing plaque and food deposits on the buccal surfaces of the teeth.

The panel also liked the fact it's cordless and has a compact design but said this meant they had to refill it halfway through flossing, which lost it some points.

How to use a water flosser

You can use a water flosser before or after brushing. Used before, it can help to loosen leftover food, making it easier to remove when you brush or use manual floss. When used afterwards, it can help wash away debris stuck in those hard to reach spots.

Follow the instructions for your particular model, but as a general guide:

• Fill the water tank with lukewarm water from the tap.
• Leaning over the sink and starting on the lowest pressure, place the tip of the flosser in your mouth at a 90-degree angle to your teeth. Hold it slightly away from your teeth and gums rather than directly against them.
• Close your lips slightly to prevent spray and then turn the flosser on, allowing the water to drain out into the sink as you go.
• If you feel you need more pressure, adjust the settings according to preference.
• Working from tooth to tooth, aim the tip at the gum line and target the areas between the teeth. The whole process should take around two minutes.
• After every use, make sure you empty and rinse the water tank.

Final verdict: Which is the best water flosser?

Our joint winner, the Spotlight Water Flosser will give you a professional dentist-level clean at home, thanks to its powerful brush and generous water tank.

But if you’re looking for something more affordable, the H2ofloss water flosser costs less than £30 and delivered a deep clean on test.

If you have braces or wear a fixed retainer, this Waterpik model is a great option for removing plaque from those hard-to-reach spots.

Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?

We’ve been testing products for over 100 years at the Good Housekeeping Institute – from mattresses and shampoos to hair dryers and treadmills – so we know what we’re looking for when it comes to analysing performance.

For our water flosser tests, we used a specialist VISIA image analyser to assess how effectively each model removed plaque. As well as relying on detailed feedback from our home testers, we also worked with dental health professional Farah Karim , to analyse the difference in panellists’ teeth in their before and after images.

Our team are also experts in their fields. Nora Merik , the lead tester for water flossers, has a master’s degree in cosmetic science and has tested hundreds of dental hygiene products in the lab. Senior Beauty Writer Florence Reeves-White has years of experience in the industry, writing about skincare, haircare and beauty tools.

Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms. 

With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE , Women’s Fitness , Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.

When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com , her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites

Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.

When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.

Nora is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has a master's degree in cosmetic science. She is using her expert knowledge of product development, formulation, product evaluation and market research to test a wide range of hair and beauty products in the beauty labs for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, ELLE, Men’s Health. In the lab she uses a variety of methods such as the Diastron, The Multi Skin Test Centre, The VISIA Complexion Analyser to test anything from hydration, skin barrier function, pore size and more. 

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The 8 Best Wet Flossers and Water Flossers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Water flossers can help you achieve and maintain teeth and gums.

Your toothbrush can’t always get between teeth and into periodontal pockets to remove debris, and that’s where flossing comes in. Wet flossers, also known as "water flossers" or "oral irrigators," utilize a pressurized water stream to target hard-to-reach areas and remove food and plaque. Heather Kunen , DDS, MS, New York City-based orthodontist and co-founder of Beam Street, says that water flossing can be a helpful step in your home dental routine (but it shouldn't replace conventional flossing).

At the Verywell Testing Lab in New York City, we tested 26 wet flossers, ranging in price. We evaluated each wet flosser and assigned an overall score based on effectiveness, ease of use, settings, and overall value . An orthodontist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the contents of this article to ensure its accuracy, conventional versus wet flossing, and safe practices.

• How We Tested
• What to Look For

Our Experts

Why trust verywell health, best overall, waterpik aquarius water flosser.

• Effectiveness 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Settings 5 /5
• Overall Value 5 /5

Has a large water tank

Comes with seven flossing tips and 10 pressure settings

Three-year manufacturer’s warranty

The cord connecting the base and flosser wand is short

Must be plugged into a wall outlet

Why We Recommend It

With 10 pressure settings and seven interchangeable flossing tips , the Waterpik Aquarius provides a customizable cleaning experience, though it’ll take a bit of practice—and both hands—to master its operation. Adjusting the pressure settings, controlled by a dial at the machine's base, is a bit awkward initially, but you get used to it. In addition to gooey cheese, it’s effective at removing plaque and improving circulation in the gums.

The tank holds 22 ounces of water , which the brand promises is enough for 90 seconds of flossing activity , but we were pleased to find that the reservoir was still half full after completing two full cycles.

Keep in Mind

The cord that connects the flosser wand to the base is short, so you’ll want to position it close to your sink basin to avoid drips and splashback.

Charge Type: Electric charge | Reservoir Capacity: 22 oz | Number of Pressure Settings: 10

Best Budget

H2ofloss water flosser.

• Effectiveness 4.5 /5

Completely cordless

Five pressure settings

Small water reservoir

Higher pressure modes may be too intense

If you’ve never tried a water flosser and aren’t sure it’s worth the investment, we recommend the H2ofloss Portable Oral Irrigator . It offers f ive different nozzles (including a toothbrush head), a tongue cleaner attachment , and five settings . The best part? It’s compact and completely cordless, making it the perfect travel flosser. The design is very clean and practical, with no excessive pieces or extensions.

The H2ofloss has a 360-degree rotating head to help you target those hard-to-reach corners of your mouth, and it has a 300-milliliter reservoir that holds just enough water for a full cycle.

Users with sensitive teeth or gums may find the higher pressure settings too intense. We noted that the higher settings were harder to control, and water got everywhere when we tried to use them.

Charge Type: Battery powered | Reservoir Capacity: 300 mL | Number of Pressure Settings: 5

Verywell Health / Vicky Wasik

Best Cordless

Aquasonic aqua flosser.

Cordless and fully waterproof

Comes with a travel case and four jet tips

Water reservoir only lasts about 45 seconds

Has just three basic pressure settings

If you’re a die-hard cord cutter, opt for the Aquasonic Aqua Flosser . It earned high marks for its lightweight design and is dentist-recommended for kids and teens . It only has three settings , but we particularly enjoyed the pulse mode, which felt pleasant and did a great job removing food from between our teeth. Plus, it’s easy to toggle between the settings with one hand.

Still, it delivered a thorough cleaning. The box includes a travel case and four jet tips, and the waterproof body protects the rechargeable lithium-ion battery so you can floss in the shower.

The reservoir only holds 150 milliliters of water, which provided 45 seconds of flossing during our tests, so it may not be ideal if you like to take your time.

Charge Type: Battery powered | Reservoir Capacity: 150 mL | Number of Pressure Settings: 3

Best for Braces

Philips sonicare power flosser 5000.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

Large water tank

10 brushing intensities

Two cleaning modes

If you have braces, flossing with standard string floss or dental tape can be tricky and time-consuming. Equipped with two flossing modes and 10 intensity settings , the Phillips Sonicare Power Flosser 5000 has a quad stream tip covering a larger surface area for a deep clean. The instructions clearly illustrated how to use the device if you have braces.

The setup process was easy , so we could start cleaning her teeth within minutes of unboxing. The reservoir was one of our favorite features—the lid fits snugly, and the tank holds 18.6 ounces of water for a couple of cleaning sessions. It’s compact, easy to use, and very effective.

The countertop model is one of our more expensive picks.

Charge Type: Electric charge | Reservoir Capacity: 18.6 oz | Number of Pressure Settings: 10

Best for Travel

Mysmile cordless oral irrigator.

• Ease of Use 4 /5

Large water reservoir

Cordless and portable

Has a digital display

The automatic “soft start” can be confusing

If your least favorite part of preparing for a trip is figuring out how to pack all your toiletries, try the cordless, compact MySmile Oral Irrigator X , which delivers a thorough flossing and a just-brushed feeling. It’s cordless and holds a charge for up to 20 days, with a 350-milliliter reservoir that provides 50-150 PSI of water pressure, depending on the setting. It felt as if we were brushing our teeth and flossing simultaneously, we noted. 

The flosser was easy to use , and the instruction manual includes easy-to-follow pictures . It has five different settings : strong, normal, soft, pulse, and child mode. Eight interchangeable tips are also available, enough to suit the preferences of the whole family. A digital display shows the modes, temperature, and battery level, which means a higher price tag.

The automatic soft start can be a little confusing in the beginning, but we didn't run into issues once we figured it out.

Charge Type: Battery powered | Reservoir Capacity: 350 mL | Number of Pressure Settings: 5

Best Cordless Waterpik

Waterpik cordless advanced water flosser.

• Settings 3 /5
• Overall Value 4 /5

Comes with travel case and charger

Easy to use

Only has three pressure settings

If you like the Waterpik brand but want to go cordless , look no further than the WP-560 . We loved its ease of use and effectiveness at cleaning gummy fruit debris from their teeth in under a minute. The ample 7-ounce reservoir is easy to fill and lasts a full minute. 

There are only two buttons—one to turn it on and off and the other to move between pressure settings—so it’s a good basic flosser. It has useful accessories, including two classic jet tips, a travel bag, a plug, and a convenient magnetic charger.

We were a little disappointed that there are only three basic modes.

Charge Type: Battery powered | Reservoir Capacity: 7 oz | Number of Pressure Settings: 3

Verywell Health / Candy Tierno-Baker

Best Budget Waterpik

Waterpik cordless express.

• Effectiveness 4 /5

Space-saving and travel-friendly

Uses AA batteries

Water reservoir needs to be refilled often

The third Waterpik option on our list is the Cordless Express Water Flosser, our favorite budget-friendly option from the brand. It’s a basic model with just 2 pressure settings but was impressively effective at removing even tiny bits of debris from our teeth.

The battery-operated model left our mouth feeling clean, but we felt as though there was still some residue remaining after use. Still, the two included tips were easy to swap out, and it’s a great choice if your bathroom is short on countertop space.

This device is battery-operated. The water pulls from a 5-ounce reservoir, which lasts just shy of a minute and must be refilled often, sometimes mid-floss. 

Charge Type: Battery powered | Reservoir Capacity: 5 oz | Number of Pressure Settings: 2

Best Electric Toothbrush and Water Flosser Combo

Waterpik sonic fusion toothbrush & flosser combo.

Functions as a flosser and toothbrush

Comes with a protective hard travel case

It’s corded and quite large

The Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 does double-duty as a flosser and an electric toothbrush to clean your whole mouth. With 10 pressure settings, two flossing brush heads , and a 16-ounce water reservoir , it cleans teeth while removing plaque and gunk from even the tiniest crevices. We love how the buttons are stacked so that you can easily change the pressure. There is no guessing which button will change the pressure and speed.

The Sonic-Fusion also has a two-minute brushing timer and a 30-second pacer to alert you when switching to a different section of your mouth is time. It’s the most expensive model on our list, but it's a good investment if you want an all-in-one dental-cleaning device.

It's corded and larger than other options.

Charge Type: Electric charge | Reservoir Capacity: 16 oz | Number of Pressure Settings: 10

Verywell Health / Tamara Staples

How We Tested the Wet Flossers

The Verywell Health team tested 26 wet flossers at the Verywell Testing Lab in New York City. After unboxing and setting up the flossers, testers used their assigned model to floss for at least one minute. We evaluated each wet flosser based on the following attributes:

• Effectiveness: We paid close attention to how clean our teeth felt, how effective the flosser was at removing food debris, and whether it could get into hard-to-reach areas. 
• Ease of use: We analyzed how easy it was to use and operate the water flossers. We also noted how they felt in our hands as well.
• Settings: We paid attention to the device's many settings and how beneficial they were during use.
• Overall value: We compared the device's overall performance to its price point to determine whether it was worth the price.

We're Still Testing Water Flossers

We are conducting ongoing tests for wet flossers to see how they hold up to daily use. We’ll update our recommendations with our feedback, especially regarding battery life (which we couldn’t test in The Lab).

What to Look for in a Wet Flosser

• Reservoir capacity: Wet flossers have a built-in water reservoir or are attached to a base with a water reservoir. Flossers with bases can hold between 18 and 22 ounces of water. On the other hand, the larger the reservoir, the clunkier the flosser. If you plan on taking your device on the go, look for a model with a smaller, more portable reservoir. Flossers with built-in water reservoirs should last for an entire cleaning session but will need refilling more often.
• Battery life: Water flossers are available in corded, cordless, and battery-operated models. Many options on our list have powerful rechargeable batteries that keep the flosser powered for days or weeks. If you plan to travel, look for a model with a longer battery life that won't slow you down when you're on the go.
• Ease of use: Todd Bertman , DMD, founder of Advanced Dental Arts in New York City, advises choosing a water flosser with an angled tip or a flexible, swiveling head. These features help target your mouth's nooks and crannies while spraying away large debris and food particles. He adds that easy-to-grip models are great for people with dexterity issues (like arthritis).
• Intensity: Just because a flosser has several settings doesn't mean you'll use them all. Consider whether you have issues like gum sensitivity or deep gum pockets. According to Dr. Bertman, the pressure of a water flosser should be high enough to be effective but not so high that it causes pain, discomfort, or bleeding. (However, he notes that water flossers are generally safe, and any damage caused by intense pressure will likely heal rather than be permanent.)
• Accessories: Most water flossers will come fully equipped, but some have optional tips and specially designed attachments for dental work, braces, and sensitive teeth/gums . Depending on your concerns, dentists also recommend switching up the tip or head.

We also spoke with these dentists for their expert opinions on factors to consider when choosing the right wet flosser:

• Heather Kunen, DDS, MS, New York City-based orthodontist
• Todd Bertman, DMD, founder of Advanced Dental Arts in New York City
• Lisa Creaven , DDS, Galway-based dentist and co-founder of Spotlight Oral Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional string floss or dental tape may be some dentists' preferred choice, but water flossers are an adjunct to brushing and traditional manual flossing. Lisa Creaven, DDS, Galway-based dentist and co-founder of Spotlight Oral Care, tells us that it pushes the food and debris with a gentle yet powerful force that gets the gunk off the teeth and away from the area. Conventional and water flossing are suitable for cleaning thoroughly, but traditional flossing should be a part of your dental hygiene routine.

Regarding safety, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you don't want to leave water sitting in the reservoir. A water flosser that isn't well maintained can introduce more bacteria into your mouth, so Dr. Creaven recommends emptying it after each use and cleaning it often. You'll also want to pay special attention to excessive pressure.

The order of the steps in your oral care routine matters. Start with a water flosser and follow it up with a toothbrush. Dr. Creaven says water flossers should be used once a day before brushing so you don't wash away active ingredients in toothpaste that your teeth benefit from.

Kayla Hui is a seasoned public health practitioner and health journalist who received her master’s degree in public health in 2020. She has interviewed dozens of experts, reviewed numerous research studies, and tested a plethora of products to deliver well-researched product reviews and roundups. Her goal is to help readers make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.

By Kayla Hui, MPH Hui is a health writer with a master's degree in public health. In 2020, she won a Pulitzer Center Fellowship to report on the mental health of Chinese immigrant truck drivers.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The 7 Very Best Water Flossers

“this brand is to water flossers what kleenex is to tissues.”.

In this article

• Best overall
• Best compact countertop
• Best cordless
• Best for travel
• Best that’s also a toothbrush
• Best for kids and sensitive gums

A couple of years ago, I purchased my first cordless water flosser for the convenience of using it in the shower. It was much easier to add to my daily routine and much harder to skip on those days I was feeling especially lazy. Since taking on this story and becoming more of a water-flosser devotee, I’ve wondered if the compact version is still the best, especially with options ranging from countertop flossers to others that double as toothbrushes . So I spoke with dentists about their picks for the best water flossers that fit varying needs and budgets, and I tested models myself.

When shopping for one, the one thing to look for is the American Dental Association (ADA)’s seal of acceptance . “Using a water flosser with the seal of acceptance has been proven to be as effective, if not more effective, than traditional flossing at removing plaque between teeth,” says Dr. Jill Lasky of Lasky Pediatric Dental in Studio City, California. While Waterpik used to be the only brand on our list, other brands like Sonicare and Quip have recently gotten the stamp of approval from the ADA. Still, Waterpik is so ubiquitous that the brand “is to water flossers what Kleenex is to tissues,” says Brooklyn-based dentist Dr. Elliot Eskenazi .

Before we get to our expert-recommended water flossers, here’s a little instruction on how to use one, since there’s a bit of a learning curve, dentist Dr. Samantha Rawdin says. “You want to close your lips slightly around the tip and lean over the sink so water doesn’t go everywhere,” she says. “Then you’ll want to direct the tip down toward the gums and go in a scalloped motion along the gumline of each tooth on both the inside and outside.” Dr. Elisa Mello of NYC Smile Design also emphasizes water flossing at night, when there’s reduced salivary flow, to prevent bacteria from feeding off anything left in your mouth.

Now that you’re all set with the proper technique, read on to learn more about the criteria we considered and the best water flossers, from countertop models to travel-friendly options.

What we’re looking for

Pressure settings.

Multiple pressure settings are an important feature, because gum sensitivity and the spaces between people’s teeth can vary so much. The settings are based on different levels of water pressure, which is measured in psi. Each machine has a different pressure range, with most starting at 10 psi and going up as high as 100 psi. “You want really strong water power to push as much food and debris off of the tooth structure as possible,” says Dr. Pia Lieb, founder of Cosmetic Dentistry Center NYC . The larger the range, and the more settings there are, the more flexibility you have if you’re not sure yet what your teeth can handle or if multiple household members are sharing the same machine.

Countertop vs. cordless

Contrary to most modern pieces of technology, the preference when it comes to water flossers is actually for a non-portable plug-in model that sits on your countertop. Dr. Siama Muhammad of Brooklyn Oak Dental Care prefers the corded version “because it’s more powerful.” It obviously has its cons, though. You can’t travel with it; it takes up a lot of countertop space; and you can’t use it in the shower. Personally, I prefer a compact model, since I have limited space, and I like the convenience of using it in the shower. They’re also lighter and easier to hold, which makes them great for people with dexterity issues. The downside with cordless models is that they may not have as many pressure settings or power as the corded models.

Water-tank size

The size of the water tank is also something to consider. Running your water flosser long enough to get in between each tooth requires a lot of water, and it’s ideal if you don’t have to fill it up before you finish. This requires a significantly large water tank. Countertop models shine again here, because they are large and bulky but hold more water than a cordless version you can take anywhere. The largest tank on our list has a 22-ounce capacity, and that holds enough water to run for 90 seconds.

Built-in timer

Since water flossing is akin to regular flossing, there’s no ADA-recommended time like there is with brushing your teeth. It’s more about technique and getting in between each tooth, no matter how long that takes. That being said, Waterpik, the industry standard, recommends using it for one minute. Some models have a built-in timer, while others frankly don’t have water tanks large enough to run longer than the recommended time, and those you can turn on and off on your own.

Rotating tip

In addition to multiple attachments, some water flossers also have a 360-degree rotating tip. This allows you to reach every part of your mouth with ease. With a stationary tip, you’ll have to do your best to angle the flosser in various directions.

Best water flosser overall

Pressure settings: ten settings | Countertop or cordless: Countertop | Water-tank size: 22 ounces | Timer: one-minute timer with 30-second pacer | Rotating tip: 360-degree tip

The Waterpik Aquarius was recommended by six dentists I spoke to. When I tested it for myself, I was put off by the amount of counter space it takes up since I have a fairly small sink. But if that’s not an issue for you or if you’re willing to sacrifice some space, there are plenty of reasons the Aquarius is a clear standout. The large 22-ounce water tank and timer made my experience a lot easier than using more compact Waterpiks. I never had to refill the tank in the middle of flossing, since it allows water to run for up to 90 seconds. And I never doubted if I had flossed long enough with the Waterpik-recommended one-minute timer. I also found it extremely easy to maneuver since its tip is made with 360-degree rotation and the water control is right on the handle. While my gums aren’t particularly sensitive, the Aquarius’s lowest setting is extremely gentle for those who do have sensitivities. And its highest setting has a lot of power, which I knew could blast away any lingering plaque.

Dr. Leib notes it has the strongest engine on the market, which you want to push as much food and debris off of teeth as possible, and its ten pressure settings range from ten to 100 psi. I only used the classic tip during my testing, and the set comes with two more replacement classic tips as well as four other specialty tips, including ones specifically for people with braces, periodontal pockets, and other hardware that can be hard to clean around, making it a great option for anyone with dental work. The handle rotation also provides greater accessibility to those hard-to-reach places.

Best compact countertop water flosser

Pressure settings: five settings | Countertop or cordless: Countertop | Water-tank size: 15 ounces | Timer: No timer | Rotating tip: No 360-degree tip

Think of this model as the mini-Aquarius. It’s still a corded countertop model, meaning it’s powerful, but it doesn’t take up as much room as the option above. “It’s smaller and it’s quite user-friendly,” says Dr. Rozenberg. “It’s ideal for small bathrooms, especially in the city.” The Nano Plus doesn’t have all the same specs as the Aquarius, though. It’s got half the number of pressure settings but with a similar psi range from 10 to 80, so there is still a lot of room for personalization. It has a smaller water tank, but it still holds enough for a 60-second run time — which will be a good indicator because this model does not have a built-in timer. It also doesn’t rotate, but it does come with a replacement tip, one for braces, and one for implants and other restorative work to help you navigate even better.

Best cordless water flosser

Pressure settings: three settings | Countertop or cordless: Cordless | Water-tank size: 7 ounces | Timer: No timer | Rotating tip: 360-degree tip

If you’re really tight on counter space, this compact cordless model is a space saver . I use one while showering and store it under the sink, where its small base — measuring just under three inches — takes up little room. The only downside may be that to get more counter space, you sacrifice a large tank. The seven-ounce container holds enough for only 45 seconds of flossing, so you may have to refill before you finish. (I rarely have to, but on the occasions I do, I just fill it back up while showering.) It’s also important to note that its three pressure settings range between 45 and 75 psi, so it’s more limited than the best overall pick and other flossers on this list.

Three experts I spoke to recommended it as well. Dr. Rashmi Ambewadikar of Astoria Smiles Pediatric Dentistry likes that it’s compact and rechargeable and has easy-to-find replacement tips. Dr. Chern adds it’s a very easy-to-hold model for people with dexterity issues. It’s also a great option for travel since it weighs less than a pound, comes with a travel bag and case for its four tips, and has a battery life that’s one of the best on the market, says Dr. Greg Grobmyer , a certified dental surgeon.

Best water flosser for travel

Pressure settings: three settings | Countertop or cordless: Cordless | Water-tank size: 7 ounces | Timer: No timer | Rotating tip: No 360-degree tip

Waterpik’s newest addition — the Cordless Slide — is even more travel friendly than the Cordless Advanced. As its name suggests, you can slide part of the base down into the tank, decreasing its height by about half. (Just be sure the tank is completely empty when you do so.) When I tried packing it in my Dopp kit , it took up even less space than the Cordless Advanced flosser, especially after I removed the tip and stored it in a bag. It has the same tank size and battery life as the above model and comes with a USB-C–to–USB-A cable for recharging. The only other main difference is its pressure settings. There’s a bit of a learning curve to change settings since this model has only one button; you just quickly press it twice to switch. And the three pressure settings range between 50 and 80 psi, instead of 45 and 75.

Best water flosser (that’s also a toothbrush)

Pressure settings: ten settings | Countertop or cordless: Countertop | Water-tank size: 16 ounces | Timer: two-minute timer with 30-second pacer | Rotating tip: No 360-degree tip

Another way to clear off some counter space is to combine your brushing and flossing into one device so you don’t have to set up both a Waterpik and electric toothbrush . The Waterpik Sonic-Fusion combines a water flosser and sonic toothbrush. The brush head has soft bristles as well as a hole for pressurized water to stream out of. The flosser has ten different pressure settings ranging from 10 to 100 psi just like the Aquarius; the 16-ounce tank holds enough water for 60 seconds of flossing; and while it’s a countertop model, the brush detaches and can be used on the go. The built-in two-minute timer is for the toothbrush function, which has two different speed settings. If the combination seems like a lot, “This product switches from brushing to flossing to both,” says Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, an orthodontist at New York’s Dr. Smiles. She adds, “It removes the harmful bacteria and debris deep between teeth and below the gumline that traditional brushing and dental floss can’t reach.” Fulop-Goodling is one of nine experts who recommended it. Dr. Mello uses it herself and tells us it’s one of the best ways to keep your teeth clean in between dentist appointments.

Best less expensive water flosser (that’s also a toothbrush)

Pressure settings: ten settings | Countertop or cordless: Countertop | Water-tank size: 22 ounces | Timer: two-minute timer with 30-second pacer | Rotating tip: No 360-degree tip

If you’re looking to save some money, Dr. Mello recommends this two-in-one from Waterpik for a little over $100. While the Sonic-Fusion is a brush–water flosser combo in one head, this model separates the devices while maintaining many of the same controls and features. The flosser has ten different pressure settings, ranging from 10 to 100 psi, and the toothbrush has three sonic modes (one more than the Sonic-Fusion). The 22-ounce tank holds enough water to run for 90 seconds. However, unlike other flossers, this one doesn’t have a built-in timer.

Best water flosser for kids and adults with sensitive gums

Pressure settings: three settings | Countertop or cordless: Countertop | Water-tank size: 15 ounces | Timer: No timer | Rotating tip: No 360-degree tip

Several dentists recommend this bright-green water flosser for kids because of its gentleness — there is always the danger (especially for children) of using a water flosser at too high an intensity, which can be damaging to young and sensitive gum tissue. Dr. Alexandra Brennan of Children’s Dental Associates in New London, Connecticut, says she likes Waterpik’s water flosser for kids, because it’s designed with a lower-intensity dial, so users of any age don’t end up injuring their gum tissue. She notes that the Waterpik for kids comes in fun colors and with a handful of different stickers, so you can decorate it. “They make it kid-friendly in hopes that kids and teens will actually use it,” Dr. Brennan says. It’s especially helpful for cleaning plaque from under wires and around brackets, which is essential for keeping the teeth and gums healthy. “Flossing with floss can feel like a chore and can be very time-consuming with orthodontic appliances, so children can get unmotivated to floss, and water flossers are a great alternative to floss during this time,” says Dr. Ambewadikar. Dr. Grobmyer adds that a water flosser can be useful for children who are fussy about brushing their teeth: “Water flossers can make this tedious activity more appealing and engaging for kids and teens.”

Some more water flossers we’ve written about

Our experts

• Dr. Rashmi Ambewadikar, pediatric dentist at Astoria Smiles Pediatric Dentistry • Dr. Alexandra Brennan, diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and dentist at Children’s Dental Associates • Dr. Inna Chern, owner of New York General Dentistry • Dr. Elliot Eskenazi, general and cosmetic dentist • Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, orthodontist at New York’s Dr. Smiles • Dr. Greg Grobmyer, DDS and public speaker  • Dr. Jill Lasky, founder of Lasky Pediatric Dental • Dr. Pia Lieb, founder of Cosmetic Dentistry Center NYC • Dr. Elisa Mello, owner of  NYC Smile Design • Dr. Siama Muhammad, owner of Brooklyn Oak Dental Care • Dr. Samantha Rawdin, dentist • Dr. Irina Sinensky, founder of Dental House

Update on June 21, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

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Today’s Top Clicked

The 7 Best Water Flossers Worth Adding to Your Routine

Dentists agree: these favorites are worth the investment

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

"Using a water flosser can help reach those hard to get places, such as the back teeth. Unless you are an avid flosser with regular floss, it’s hard to reach the molars," he tells Bazaar . Plus, Rubinshtein adds that water flossers are particularly helpful for dental bridges, porcelain veneers, or braces, as they help clean off excess plaque that may cause gum inflammation.

Shop the Best Water Flossers

Best All-Around

Aquarius water flosser professional for teeth.

Best for Beginners

Waterpik cordless pearl water flosser.

Best for Quick Cleaning

Philips sonicare power flosser 5000.

Dentist Kevin Sands notes that using a water flosser at least once a day at a 90-degree angle can be extremely beneficial for your oral hygiene routine, as it helps remove plaque, debris, and bacteria between teeth and along the gumline. "It helps dislodge particles and bacteria that may be more easily removed with the water flosser than with brushing alone," he says. "Water flossing before brushing helps loosen and remove particles from between teeth, making it easier for the toothbrush to clean the surfaces thoroughly."

Another bonus that comes with incorporating a water flosser into your routine? In addition to key features, like pulsating water and specialized tips you can't get with regular floss alone, these high-tech staples also use clean, continuous streams of water, which helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Professionals advise starting with a low-pressure setting, and gradually increasing once your mouth gets use to regular flosser use.

To help you find the best device for your needs, we've pulled together the best water flossers with a number of attachments and pressure settings worth shopping—with each under $100—that come highly-approved by shoppers and dentists alike.

Related: The Best Whitening Toothpastes That Dentists Love

Both Sands and Rubinshtein consider Waterpik's Aquarius Water Flosser as their primary in-office go-to—and it's easy to see why. In addition to 10 pressure settings, the device also includes seven different tips for ultimate customization. "I mainly use and recommend the Waterpik," Rubinshtein says.

One satisfied shopper writes: "I recently got a bridge and didnt like the idea of sticking a flosser brush under it daily. This lets me both floss my teeth painlessly and get anything that may be stuck under my bridge. I like that it came with a lot of different attachments and some different settings. The only thing i would change is for it to be a bit quieter. I don't mind the noise but it was definitely a surprise when I turned it on. Overall, highly recommend!" — Arianna T.

Here's a cordless option from Waterpik that's battery-powered, and includes 360-degree tip rotation to leave your teeth and gums sparkling clean. "This flosser is ideal for those who want the convenience of a cordless option without compromising on performance," adds Sands. "It's easy to use and travel-friendly."

One satisfied shopper writes: "This works great and I really appreciate the adjustable settings. I actually enjoy using it daily." — Pamela E.

This water flosser uses four streams of water to quickly and efficiently clean between teeth and along the gum line. And according to our experts, it's also a great choice for anyone looking for a less messy alternative to traditional flossing.

One satisfied shopper writes: "I bought this air flosser to replace an older model that was wearing out. This new version is more sleek and compact, so it doesn’t take up much counter space. The water pressure is readily adjustable. And it comes with two different tips that are easy to change. This unit is very user-friendly." — JJ Hunt

Aquasonic Aqua Flosser

Here's another cordless and battery-powered tool that dentists recommend. It features three usage modes and four tip options, and even nicely massages gums as you use it. The flosser also happens to rotate a full 360 degrees.

One satisfied shopper writes: "Great water flosser, also my first water flosser! Easy operation, comfortable to hold with ergonomic handle. Once you become proficient at water flossing the water container will be adequate. During my learning faze I had more water around sink and mirror than on my gum line LOL. If you're looking for a simple efficient water flosser I would personally recommend." — Nancy D.

Nicefeel Cordless Water Flosser Teeth Cleaner

Since this tool features a detachable water tank, it's easy to keep clean after rounds of flossing. It's also specially designed with three cleaning modes that are safe for those with periodontitis or braces.

One satisfied shopper writes: "I enjoy the benefits of using this in addition to floss. I have super tiny teeth, and tiny gaps that break floss. So this has been a game changer for my dental hygiene. After a bit of getting used to, it’s amazing." — Deborah S.

Oral B Water Flosser Advanced Countertop Irrigator

Experts note that this tool from Oral-B is known for its Oxyjet technology—water enriched with microbubbles of air—which helps provide a deeper level of cleaning than most flossers. It also aims to remove up to 99.99 percent of plaque from teeth and gums.

H2ofloss Cordless Water Dental Flosser

"This water flosser offers a large water tank, multiple pressure settings, and various tips for different dental needs," Sands explains of this top-rated device. "Users often appreciate its quiet operation."

One satisfied shopper writes: "I absolutely love this product. I'm glad that it is cordless as I can travel with it where I go! The battery life is amazing! I'm absolutely addicted and use this everyday, it literally feels like I got my teeth cleaned professionally every single day. My teeth even feel smoother and look whiter." — Andrea P.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Kevin B. Sands, DDS, is a celebrity cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, California.
• Dr. Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS, is a celebrity cosmetic dentist based in New York City.

Can readers floss less often if they regularly use a water flosser?

While water flossers are helpful in keeping your teeth and gums cleaner and more healthy, Rubinshtein notes that these devices shouldn't replace regular manual flossing. "I actually recommend my patients to use a water flosser in conjunction with regular flossing," he explains. "A water flosser should not replace regular flossing or brushing, in my opinion. Regular flossing is still the best and most effective way to clean between your teeth. You should still continue to floss, but adding a water flosser is a great way to elevate your oral care regimen. If you are only using a water flosser than use it the same amount of times as regular flossing, which is twice a day."

What’s the best pressure setting for beginners new to using water flossers?

For those new to using water flossers, professionals advise starting with a lower pressure setting and gradually increasing it based on the user's individual comfort-level and oral health needs.

"Starting with a lower pressure allows your gums to get accustomed to the sensation, reducing the risk of discomfort or irritation. As your gums become accustomed to the water flosser, you may find that you can gradually increase the pressure over time," Sands adds. "Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific water flosser model."

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The 9 Best Water Flossers of 2024, Tested by Real People

Get ready for a deep clean

Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Things to Consider
• How We Tested

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What is people tested.

People / Vicky Wasik

A water flosser (a.k.a. oral irrigator or wet flosser) essentially flushes your mouth with pulsating water to get rid of gunk between the teeth, clean hard-to-reach areas, and prevent bad breath. According to the Cleveland Clinic, using one of these gadgets is a great way to amp up your oral hygiene game between dentist visits (in addition to traditional flossing).

"It goes in deeper below the gum line, even further than regular floss, to remove more plaque and debris," says Rhonda Kalasho, DDS, L.A. cosmetic dentist. "Water flossers have been proven through several studies to help reverse gum disease, minimize staining, and freshen breath."

Today's Top Deals

• The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser is 40% off (now $60) at Amazon .
• The Aquasonic Aqua Flosser is 25% off with coupon (now $40) at Amazon .
• The Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser is 20% off (now $80) at Amazon .

We tested 26 water flossers in the PEOPLE Tested Lab, evaluating each model for ease of use, effectiveness, settings, and overall value. To help you narrow down your options, we rounded up several standout designs for squeaky-clean teeth and healthy gums.

These are the best water flossers PEOPLE Tested.

Best Overall

Aquasonic aqua flosser.

• Effectiveness 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5

It features a waterproof design.

It includes a rechargeable battery.

It is reasonably priced.

It has a cordless design and is comfortable to use.

It only has three modes.

After trying 26 models in the Lab, the Aquasonic Aqua Flosser was a clear winner. It clocked perfect scores for ease of use and effectiveness, losing only half a point for settings. (It has only three modes — not a terribly low amount, but not outstanding.)

We got every bit of gunk out of our teeth with this all-around great flosser. We also liked how the curved handle felt in our hand, noting that it's easy to hold , direct the flow of water, and switch between the normal, soft, and pulse modes. We were particularly fond of the pulse setting , which did an excellent job of flushing out crumbs from between the teeth. The water reservoir was easy to fill as well.

Thanks to a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the Aqua Flosser is conveniently cordless and lasts for weeks between charges. Not only that, but the waterproof design means you can use it in the shower.

Other notable features include a built-in two-minute timer and a 360-degree rotary nozzle that makes it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas. Considering the very reasonable price tag and the fact that it comes with four replacement tips, we gave this product a perfect score for overall value . With that said, we'd recommend it to pretty much anyone in the market for a water flosser.

Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Features: 3 modes, 4 tip replacements, 2-minute timer, 360-degree rotary nozzle | Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 0.5 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 150 milliliters

Best Customization

Waterpik aquarius water flosser.

• Settings 5 /5
• Overall Value 5 /5

It has 10 pressure levels.

The handle is easy-to-control.

It has a large water tank.

The cord is a little shorter than we’d like.

No two people’s teeth are the same, which means that your water flossing needs are unique to you, too. That’s why we loved the Waterpik Aquarius — it comes with 10 pressure settings so users can customize their flossing experience to their own needs. 

After giving this water flosser a try, our teeth felt spotless. The device’s large water tank allowed us to floss for a whole 90 seconds without the need to refill the container (in fact, it was still half full of water when we were done). The handle felt small and easy to control , and the device itself was really easy to operate. 

The one thing that we would change about this device is the length of the connecting cord from the base to the water pick itself, which felt a bit short and slightly limited reach. But, overall, this water flosser had everything we needed to clean our teeth and leave us feeling fresh. 

Power Source: Corded electric | Features: 10 pressure levels, 2 modes, 7 tips, 1-minute timer | Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.8 x 10.4 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 22 ounces

Best Budget

H2ofloss water flosser.

• Effectiveness 4.5 /5

It has a cordless design.

It comes with five modes and six heads.

This model has a large reservoir.

The instruction manual isn’t very thorough.

When using on high-pressure mode, this model splashes water.

H2ofloss makes a great budget pick . The brand's Cordless Oral Irrigator earned perfect scores for ease of use, effectiveness, and overall value. Though we appreciate that it has five modes , we knocked off half a point for settings since the higher speeds were a little too strong, making it harder to control and splashing water everywhere. That said, the softer modes were not only plenty effective but also comfortable and manageable .

While the instruction manual wasn't very thorough, we found the product design intuitive and user-friendly . This cordless wet flosser has a rechargeable battery and a generously sized 300-milliliter water reservoir. It comes with six heads, including two jet tips, a tongue cleaner, a periodontal tip (to flush out the gums), and an orthodontic tip (for braces and retainers).

Based on the ample features and high-end functionality, we were surprised by the wallet-friendly price point. All things considered, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this water flosser to a friend and anyone else looking for an affordable, effective model.

Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Features: 5 modes, 6 tips, 360-degree rotation | Dimensions: 9 x 3 x 1 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 300 milliliters

People / Tamara Staples

Best for Beginners

Waterpik cordless express.

• Effectiveness 4 /5

It's a great value.

It's convenient for travel.

It's easy to use right out of the box.

It only includes two pressure settings.

The “low” pressure setting still felt high.

It turns out, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get your hands on an excellent cordless water flosser. Getting started with the Waterpik Cordless Express flosser is as easy as filling up the reservoir and flipping the switch to turn it on. Once the nozzle is snapped in place, it doesn’t move around at all, and the included instructions are clear and easy to follow . 

While this cordless flosser might be simple, it packs a high-pressure punch. The Waterpik handle has just two settings — low and high — though we found that even the low setting felt pretty high-pressured. For this reason, those with more sensitive gums might find the pressure to be too much. Overall, though we do wish that there were more than two pressure setting options, we think that this wet flosser is a top-notch pick for beginners, thanks to its high pressure and ease of use . 

Power Source: 3 AAA batteries | Features: 2 modes, 2 pressure levels, 2 brush speeds, 2 flossing tips | Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.5 x 11.75 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 5 ounces

Best Splurge

Philips sonicare power flosser 5000.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

It's easy to set up.

It includes 10 different intensity modes.

This flosser has a large reservoir.

It comes with a magnetic dock.

It's not cordless.

The reservoir dock is a little bulky.

If you're open to investing in a top-shelf model , the Power Flosser 5000 is a solid choice. The instructions are clear, and the setup is simple — all you do is plug it in and fill it with water. We tried it out after eating a plate of nachos and were left feeling completely clean. It's easy to toggle between the 10 intensity modes, and the quad-stream tip delivers four streams of water for a more thorough whole-mouth cleaning .

This water flosser has a large 550-milliliter (18.6-ounce) lidded reservoir, so you won't have to refill it mid-session. It isn't cordless , so you won't have to worry about recharging it, though it's not very travel-friendly.

The flosser itself is compact and lightweight . And while the reservoir dock will take up some counter space, we appreciate that the handle attaches magnetically to the base. The price is steep, but we think it's worth it based on the settings and effectiveness.

Power Source: Corded electric | Features: 2 modes, 10 intensities, quad-stream tip, magnetic dock | Dimensions: 10 x 1.5 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 550 milliliters

Best Cordless

Waterpik cordless advanced water flosser.

• Settings 3 /5
• Overall Value 4 /5

It's easy to set up and use.

It has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

It only has three pressure settings.

We tried 12 Waterpik models in the Lab. Though a few of them fared well during testing, the brand's Cordless Advanced Water Flosser (WP-560) was our favorite. Earning perfect scores for ease of use and effectiveness , we liked how the intuitive two-button design left our teeth smooth and clear of debris. Although it only has three pressure settings, this is part of what makes it so user-friendly.

This cordless wet flosser is powered by a lithium-ion battery. Thanks to the rapid-charging system , it recharges in just four hours and lasts up to two months. The removable reservoir is also easy to fill. While it's only seven ounces, you'll have enough water for a one-minute flossing session.

We also like that it comes with four heads , including two standard jet tips, an orthodontic tip, and a "plaque seeker" for precision cleaning. This flosser also has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The price of this water flosser is higher than average, but considering the convenient design, included attachments, and effectiveness, we think it's a decent value.

Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Features: 3 modes, 4 tips, 360-degree rotation, magnetic charger, battery indicator | Dimensions: 11.5 x 4 x 3 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 7 ounces

Best for Deep Cleaning

Mysmile cordless oral irrigator.

• Ease of Use 4 /5

It includes five water intensity modes.

It has a built-in two-minute timer.

It comes with eight interchangeable heads.

There is a slight learning curve to get started using this flosser.

It has a higher price than some other options on our list.

For deeper cleans, we recommend MySmile. With five water-pressure modes and a two-minute timer , the brand's Cordless Oral Irrigator earned perfect scores for effectiveness and settings. It comes with eight heads, including two regular jets, a high-pressure tip, a lower-pressure tip, a "plaque seeker," an orthodontic tip, a "pik pocket" for gums, and a tongue cleaner.

We found this wet flosser generally easy to use , though we had to play around with it a bit to figure out how to change the heads and use the different modes. Still, it did an excellent job cleaning our teeth and getting into hard-to-reach crevices.

We also like that the handle shows the water temperature and how much battery life is left. The Cordless Oral Irrigator is not only effective but also fun to use . We think it's worth the price and would recommend it to anyone looking for a high-tech wet flosser.

Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Features: 5 modes, 8 tips, 2-minute timer, battery indicator, temperature light | Dimensions: 12 x 5 x 3 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 350 milliliters

Best Electric Toothbrush-Flosser Combo

Waterpik sonic fusion toothbrush & flosser combo.

It has a sleek design.

It has 10 water pressure levels and two speeds.

This flosser comes with a protective travel case.

It's pricier than most other models on our list.

Interested in an all-in-one gadget for at-home teeth cleaning? Look no further than the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0. Though it boasts three modes, two brush speeds, and 10 water-pressure levels, this electric toothbrush-flosser hybrid is intuitive and user-friendly . It's easy to change the settings, and you can even brush and floss at the same time.

This water flosser immediately removed food stuck between our teeth and left our mouths feeling noticeably cleaner and fresher. We like that it has a large 14-ounce reservoir with a magnetic head holder. While you'll need to make room for the base on your bathroom counter, we were fans of the sleek appearance, compact handle, and time-saving design. It also comes with a travel case for the toothbrush component.

This is one of the more expensive water flossers we tried. But considering the convenience of a brush-floss combo and impressive results, we think it's worth the investment .

Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Features: 3 modes, 10 pressure levels, 2 brush speeds, 2 heads, 2-minute timer, battery indicator, magnetic head holder, travel case | Dimensions: 11 x 2 x 0.5 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 14 ounces

Best for Sensitive Gums

Turewell water dental flosser.

• Effectiveness 3.9 /5

It has simple and intuitive controls.

The pressure dial allows users to customize water force.

It includes eight water tips.

There is no timer function.

The setup requires a bit of fiddling so that no leaking occurs.

We found the Turewell wet flosser to be straightforward to use and a great pick for those with sensitive gums. The base has just two buttons, an on-off switch on the flosser’s handle, and a pressure dial on the base that allows users to fine-tune the force of the water spray. That means that those with sensitive gums can easily control the water pressure to their liking and switch between powerful and gentle flossing. It also comes with eight water tips so that every member of the household can hygienically floss with the same device.

The tank is large enough to hold at least a minute's worth of usage, with water still left over to spare. We found that the nozzle required some fiddling to get into its proper seating so that no leaking occurred, but once we had it set up, the device felt intuitive and gentle . We also wish that it came with a timer function. Overall, we think this device makes for a great introduction to water flossing, especially for those who want to fine-tune their experience with adjustable pressure. 

Power Source: Corded electric | Features: 10 pressure settings, 360-degree nozzle rotation, 8 tips | Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 5 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 600 milliliters

Things to Consider When Buying a Water Flosser

Most wet flossers have multiple modes, such as pulse and steady stream. Many, like the Turewell Water Flosser , also allow you to change the speed or intensity of the water pressure. "The pressurized water is excellent at washing away caught food and plaque from in between teeth and around the gumline," says Dr. Kalasho.

A higher-end wet flosser model may have more settings, though this doesn't necessarily mean it'll do a better job cleaning your teeth. The most important thing is that the wet flosser is user-friendly, comfortable, and easy to toggle between modes.

Reservoir Size

The water that your wet flosser uses to operate is contained in a reservoir. Depending on the type of wet flosser you choose, the reservoir will either be attached to the flosser or the base of the unit. Small and portable wet flossers have a built-in reservoir that holds anywhere from five to 22 ounces of water. Larger, countertop units contain a separate reservoir in the base of the wet flosser that holds 150 to 600 milliliters of water.

Extra Features

Water flossers often have other notable features beyond modes and pressure settings. This includes interchangeable heads, a 360-degree rotating nozzle, a built-in timer, rapid charging, a battery indicator light, a magnetic base, or a travel case. The H2ofloss Water Flosser , for example, is a wet flosser that comes with six different heads and a travel case.

Power Source

When browsing models, pay attention to the power source. Many modern wet flossers — like our best overall pick, the Aquasonic Aqua Flosser — run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which typically means they're cordless. They often charge fully in just a few hours and can last for weeks, if not months. Other wet flossers have corded designs, like the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 5000 , in which case the water reservoir is usually separate from the handheld flosser.

Portability

You'll also want to consider the portability of your wet flosser. If you travel often, a cordless model with a rechargeable battery and carrying case might be your best bet. But if you only plan to use yours at home, prefer a larger reservoir, or don't want to worry about recharging it, a plug-in model may be a better choice.

ADA Seal of Acceptance

Some water flossers, like the Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser , carry a Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association (ADA). When you see the seal, you know a product meets the organization's strict criteria for effectiveness and safety and that it lives up to its marketing claims.

How We Tested Water Flossers

We selected 26 popular water flossers to test in our lab. We set up makeshift bathroom spaces equipped with sinks and electrical plugs (for wet flossers with cords) and then got to work. And let us be clear: Messes were made. (But we got soaked so you don't have to!) Here's how we scored each water flosser.

• Ease of Use: When using the water flosser, we evaluated whether it was easy to set up and easy to use. This included switching between pressure settings, the ergonomics of the handle, and whether it was corded or cordless.
• Effectiveness: Our testers ate sticky food (such as dried fruit) before attempting to use the water flosser. This allowed us to easily see how powerful and effective each flosser was.
• Overall Value: After considering the price and whether we'd recommend the wet flosser products or repurchase them for ourselves, each water flosser also received a score for overall value. Those with the highest average ratings were ultimately chosen for this roundup.

After testing, our top pick is the affordable Aquasonic Aqua Flosser .

Frequently Asked Questions

A water flosser (or wet flosser) is an oral irrigator that flushes your mouth with pulsating water to get rid of gunk between the teeth, clean hard-to-reach areas, and prevent bad breath.

When used correctly, water flossers are a great addition to your tooth cleaning arsenal, along with an electric toothbrush , a good toothpaste , and a whitening product . These devices work for removing stuck-on food and debris caught in your teeth. The high water pressure and rotating heads of the wet flosser help get into those hard-to-reach places like the back of your mouth or close to your gum line.

Waterpik is a popular water flosser brand, so no, there is no difference. We tested 12 Waterpik models in the lab. While all were efficient water flossers, our favorite was the Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser .

Cai Cramer is a commerce writer who specializes in covering beauty products. To compile this review, they considered testers' feedback on dozens of wet flossers, taking into account things like ease of use, effectiveness, and features. While researching wet flossers, we spoke with an LA-based cosmetic dentist, Rhonda Kalasho, DDS.

Meet Our Expert

Rhonda Kalasho , DDS, is an LA-based cosmetic dentist who provided insight on how water flossers work and who would benefit from these tools.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-water-flossers-work

Related Articles

The 10 Best Water Flossers for Healthier Gums and a Cleaner Smile, According to Dentists

These dental gadgets can be a game-changer for your flossing routine and for your oral health.

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?

We updated this article in April 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

A water flosser (a.k.a. oral irrigator) is a health appliance designed for dental care at home. It works by using a targeted stream of water to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria in a way that’s more comfortable and easier than traditional string floss. However, experts say it isn’t necessarily better to use one over the other. Instead, you should use both tools to properly remove particles from between your teeth and gums , helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Meet the experts: Amanda Lewis D.D.S , a cosmetic dentist based in Dallas, Wesam Shafee D.M.D. , aesthetic dentist and founder of Smile Care Dental Group in Paramus, NJ.

Water flossers have great benefits for the actual gum tissue, maybe less of a benefit in between the teeth,” says Amanda Lewis D.D.S , a cosmetic dentist based in Dallas. “I find that traditional floss can be used to clean in between the teeth and down at the gum underneath the level where most things can reach. The two together can be very effective around implants—implants have a different contour coming out of the gum tissue,” Dr. Lewis explains.

While you may already be groaning about the amount of dental gadgets your oral hygiene routine involves already, adding a water flosser to your collection of electric toothbrushes or whitening pens will certainly optimize your gum health .

Our top picks

Best Overall

Waterpik aquarius water flosser.

TUREWELL Water Flossing Cordless Oral Irrigator

Best Travel-Friendly

Oral-b water flosser advanced.

Best Compact

Philips sonicare power flosser 5000.

Best Cordless

Waterpik cordless water flosser.

Panasonic Cordless Dental Water Flosser

Hydrofloss and Quantum Labs New Generation Oral Irrigator

Best 2-in-1

Waterpik sonic-fusion 2.0 professional flossing toothbrush.

TUREWELL Water Dental Oral Irrigator

ToiletTree Products Poseidon Oral Irrigator and Sonic Toothbrush

Ready to shop? Ahead, find 10 top-rated dentist-approved water flossers and waterpiks, approved by experts and reviewers alike.

“This is powerful yet gentle on teeth and gums . It helps with deep cleaning,” says Wesam Shafee D.M.D. , aesthetic dentist and founder of Smile Care Dental Group in Paramus, NJ. This pick is also a bestseller, with over 71,000 five-star global ratings on Amazon. It works to remove 99.9% of plaque from the teeth, (according to the brand ) comes with several flossing tips, and a one-minute timer to help you thoroughly clean all areas inside your mouth.

This cordless pick is designed with a lithium battery that can be charged with a power bank, computer, or car charger. Once it’s been fully charged for four hours, it can last for two weeks , according to the brand . Its features include three operating modes, ranging from normal to pulse. It also comes with five tips for particular uses like a tongue cleaner tip, plaque tip, orthodontic tip, and more. “It helps in plaque reduction and is easy to use,” says Dr. Shafee.

This pick from Dr. Lewis is a must-have for those looking to clean their teeth frequently after eating. It has a unique oxyjet technology that uses water enriched with air microbubbles to help remove plaque bacteria for healthier gums. It also offers three intensity modes, allowing you to choose an intense, medium, or sensitive cleaning pressure.

Another pick from Dr. Lewis, this water flosser will give you an effortless, thorough clean between your teeth and help improve your gum health. Its quad stream technology helps to cover more area within your mouth with less effort, while its unique pulse wave technology works to guide you from tooth to tooth. You can also select between two different cleansing modes —go with the clean mode for a continuous flow of water, or select the deep clean mode to use targeted pulses of water.

Perfect for pedestal sinks, travel, and use in the shower, this next pick from Dr. Lewis is great for people constantly on the go. It’s just as powerful as the countertop version but does not require the daily use of electrical outlets. This water flosser comes with five tips, has a high-volume covered reservoir, a hygienic tip storage compartment, and an advanced pressure control system with 10 settings .

Unlike traditional dental floss, this portable oral irrigator creates rapid, targeted water jets to comfortably and thoroughly help remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between the teeth and gums. It’s crafted with a few unique features as well— a collapsible design allows it to fit into tight drawers or small cabinet spaces and in bags while traveling. It also has an easy-to-fill reservoir that holds 5.5 ounces of water, providing up to 40 seconds of water flossing action, according to the brand . One happy Amazon customer writes “...for cleaning my teeth at work after lunch, or for those times when I’m traveling, this Panasonic Oral Irrigator can’t be beat.”

Designed to clean under the gum line and between the teeth, this tool uses magnetics to change the water and remove bacteria living on the surface of the teeth . Its features include a water steam of 1,200 pulses per minute, a water stop button on the handle, and four color-coded tips. One satisfied reviewer writes “our gums are far better because of this machine… You’d be amazed at the gunk that comes out of your teeth while using this.”

Another pick from Dr. Lewis, this new and improved water flosser comes with a bristle tip speed that works twice as fast as the original. The best part? You don’t even have to switch between your toothbrush and flosser, this tool allows you to brush and water floss, saving you time and space . It comes with two patented water flossing brush heads and two brush head covers.

With over 4,700 five-star global ratings on Amazon , you can count on this water flosser to get the job done. It comes with three high-pressure tips and five special-use jet tips (orthodontic, tongue cleaner, periodontal, dental plaque, and a toothbrush tip). But what makes this oral irrigator so different from the rest is its 10 adjustable water pressure settings, making it easy to use for every household member. The brand notes that pressure one through four should be used for kids! One happy Amazon customer writes that this pick “works great to clean gums and between teeth. Mouth feels dentist clean after use.”

Toilet Tree combined two of their best-selling items to create the ultimate dental care combo set. You can keep both your water flosser and sonic toothbrush fully charged up in just one base. The flosser has three mode settings, normal, soft, and pulse. Plus, it includes two color-coded and interchangeable tips for multiple members in your household . One happy Walmart customer writes “I love this toothbrush and irrigator. Everything you need for excellent oral healthcare is in one easy holder.”

How to choose the best water flossers and waterpiks

When shopping for water flossers, there are a few things dentists recommend you keep in mind:

✔️ Pick the right tip. “Consider the tip type,” says Dr. Shafee. There are various tips for different dental needs, like orthodontic tips for braces, plaque tips for implants, denture tips, and more. In addition, the tips should also be replaced every three to six months, depending on what the brand advises.

✔️ Check out reviews. “Read reviews about ease of use, maintenance, and durability,” adds Dr. Shafee. This will help you determine the sizing, portability, and unique features certain water flossers offer.

✔️ Ask your dentist. The number one thing to do is ask your dentist for recommendations, says Dr. Shafee. Depending on your specific dental needs, your dentist will provide the best recommendations on what can work for you.

How we chose the best water flossers and waterpiks

We consulted dental hygiene experts like Amanda Lewis D.D.S , a cosmetic dentist based in Dallas, and Wesam Shafee D.M.D. , aesthetic dentist and founder of Smile Care Dental Group in Paramus, NJ. We also pored through countless online reviews from verified customers to find the best water flossers and waterpiks available.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Shauna Beni is the Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention. An NYC native and beauty product lover, Shauna has written for Beauty Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and ABC News. She enjoys testing out new beauty products, watching makeup tutorials on Youtube, and binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix. When she’s not writing, you can find her taking Zumba classes at Crunch, trying out natural curly hairstyles, and giving her friends advice on what makeup and haircare products they should buy. Follow her on Instagram @Beni127.

Madeleine, Prevention ’s assistant editor, has a history with health writing from her experience as an editorial assistant at WebMD, and from her personal research at university. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience—and she helps strategize for success across Prevention ’s social media platforms. 

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The 6 Best Water Flossers You Can Buy Online

Give your teeth a cleaning boost without the hassle of dental floss.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

• How to Shop

Take Our Word for It

Real Simple / Brian Kopinski

If flossing feels like a chore or just isn’t getting the job done, it might be time to consider an alternative to your usual toothbrush and flossing routine. The best water flossers make your oral hygiene routine smoother and more effective thanks to features designed to get in those hard-to-reach places, clean thoroughly, and help your teeth feel like you just walked out of the dentist’s office every day.

“I personally recommend [a water floss] any time a patient has a pocket that's greater than 3 mm,” says Jessica Lewis , RDH, a dental hygienist at Arizona Advanced Dental. “Disrupting the bacterial colonies down in these pockets play a vital role in keeping the mouth healthy.” These devices have continued to gain in popularity as more people look for innovative ways to better care for their teeth in between trips to the dentist.

To help you find the best water flosser for you, we researched several of the most popular water flossers from top brands, evaluating their performance in key areas including pressure settings, water capacity, and types of attachments. We also spoke with Dr. Michael J. Wei , DDS, FIADFE, for further advice on choosing the best water flosser for you.

Best Overall

Waterpik ion professional water flosser.

The flosser has 10 pressure settings and seven interchangeable tips, making it easy to customize your flossing routine.

It’s not truly cordless, as the cord between the flosser and tank can get in the way during use.

The exceptional level of personalization, paired with high-quality components and reliability, have earned the Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser our top spot. The device offers 10 different pressure settings and seven different device tips, including tips designed for dealing with dentures, braces, plaque-prone areas, and more. With dozens of potential combinations, users can easily address their specific dental needs with minimal hassle.

The flosser comes with a 20-ounce water reservoir, and it’s powered by a lithium-ion battery that gets up to 4 weeks of charge at a time. Plus, it comes with a 3-year limited warranty, which is longer than most competitors. While the charging base itself is “cordless” and uses a USB connection instead of a wall plug, the flosser itself is not cord-free. Instead, it’s connected to the large reservoir with a cord, which runs the risk of getting in the way when you’re flossing. 

Charge Type: Wall charging plug | Water Capacity: 16 oz | Pressure Settings: 10 | Attachments: 2 | Warranty: Limited 3 year

Best Budget

Smiledirectclub compact water flosser.

It’s compact, portable, and the charge can last up to a month without needing to recharge.

It has only three pressure modes and one type of tip.

A quality water flosser doesn’t have to break the bank, and the SmileDirectClub Compact Water Flosser is no exception. This sleek, no-frills model is easy to use and even easier to store, as it features a cordless design that collapses down to only 5 inches. It also holds a charge up to a month before needing to get plugged back in, and it’s water-resistant.

Because it is a “value” pick, this flosser is a little more simplified than some competitors. It only offers three different modes: soft mode, normal mode, and a pulse mode for braces or deeper cleaning. Although it does come with a second tip attachment, it’s not a specialized one — it’s just a spare. For a basic water flosser, it does the job and provides good value for the price, but it doesn’t provide a lot of options to customize.

Charge Type: Charging cable and port | Water Capacity: Not listed | Pressure Settings: 3 | Attachments: 1 | Warranty: N/A

Best Cordless

Oral-b water flosser advanced.

It offers multiple setting combinations, a comfortable handle grip, and is easy to carry.

The power and stream buttons are placed close enough together, which can lead to accidental button presses.

The Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced is a truly cordless flosser — the flossing device itself is fully self-contained and does not have a cord connecting it to an external water tank. Of course, the charging dock does need to be plugged in to recharge your device, but the actual operating is cordless, which is very convenient. For added ease of use, its handle is particularly comfortable, thanks to a wide, textured grip.

With six different combinations of pressure settings and nozzles (three pressures, two nozzle types), it offers plenty of ways to adjust to get the exact flossing experience you need. The only real design flaw is that the two main buttons — for power and for an “on-demand” water stream — are right next to each other and easy to accidentally bump one instead of the other. Besides that, it’s a handy and compact option that provides more options than you might expect.

Charge Type: Plug-in charging station | Water Capacity: 5 oz | Pressure Settings: 3 | Attachments: 2 | Warranty: 2 year

Best Portable

Philips sonicare power flosser 3000 cordless.

It offers a powerful stream with multiple flossing modes, intensities, and nozzles, and it’s waterproof.

It can be a little heavy when the water reservoir is filled.

The Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 Cordless provides high-quality dental cleaning, along with the ability to take it anywhere. With a fully waterproof design, this flosser not only can be taken away from your sink without a cord tethering it, but it can even be taken with you into the shower if you prefer. Unlike other flossers, which typically only allow users to change nozzles and pressure settings, this model features two “modes” (Clean and Deep Clean) along with its three pressure settings and two nozzles for even more personalization options. 

Along with these extra settings, this flosser features a 250 ml (8.4oz), water tank, allowing for a longer floss without needing a refill. While that extended time can come in handy, it does result in a slightly heavier unit than other portable flossers. The water tank is washable and dishwasher safe, which is particularly helping in keeping everything hygienic and avoiding residue or mold.

Charge Type: USB-A to Small Plug charging cable | Water Capacity: 8.4 oz | Pressure Settings: 3 | Attachments: 2 | Warranty: 2 year

Best for Braces

Waterpik aquarius water flosser.

It has five different types of tips, including one specially made for cleaning around braces.

The tank takes up a lot of counter space, and it has to be plugged into the wall to operate.

Water flossers can be a big help for cleaning around braces, and the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser takes it a step further. Not only does it offer a whopping 10 pressure settings and two modes (Floss and Massage), but it comes with five different water nozzle tips, including one specifically designed for working around the tight angles and tricky edges of braces. A 360-degree rotating tip handle and a helpful 1-minute timer make it even easier to work around those tough corners. 

While most of the features on this flosser model are geared at increasing convenience, a couple of elements do detract from this. The 22-ounce reservoir has enough water for around 90 seconds of flossing — significantly more than many alternatives — but it does take up a noticeable amount of counter space. Moreover, the tank must be plugged into the wall, and the flosser is attached to it via a cord.

Charge Type: N/A | Water Capacity: 22 oz | Pressure Settings: 7 | Attachments: 5 | Warranty: Limited 3 year

Best Water Flosser-Toothbrush Combo

Waterpik sonic-fusion 2.0 professional.

It’s easy to switch between brushing and flossing, and it’s pretty compact.

The toothbrush-combo design means there are no alternative nozzle tips.

Brushing and flossing are both important to maintaining oral health, and the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional makes it a breeze to do both. The combination device provides the benefits of an electric toothbrush, a water flosser, or even both at once, with an intuitive interface to make it easy to switch between modes. Like many other Waterpik flossers, it features 10 variable pressure settings, and it comes with a decent-sized water reservoir and a helpful timer.

Although this is a countertop model, it’s still surprisingly sleek and doesn’t take up too much space. Just note that the brush/flosser is connected to the tank with a cord, so you’ll have to be careful not to get it tangled when using it. Having the dual brushing-flossing function is very convenient, but it does come with a tradeoff: there are no alternative nozzle tips to different types of flossing or specialized needs.

Our top pick overall is the Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser , thanks to its numerous settings, specialized nozzle tips, and large water reservoir. It provides a customizable cleaning experience and a lengthy warranty for a device you can truly count on.

How to Shop for Water Flossers Like a Pro

Power source.

Water flossers are either rechargeable, battery-powered devices, or require being plugged directly into a wall outlet. The battery-powered ones aren’t necessarily better than wall units, but they’re definitely more versatile and usually are smaller. If you’re worried that you might forget to charge your flosser, you might want to consider a plug-in version, but if you’re short on counter space or prefer portability, a battery-powered option is the way to go. 

Cordless features often go hand-in-hand with the power source, since only battery-powered, rechargeable flossers can be cordless. “I personally always recommend a cordless water flosser, because my number one complaint from patients has been that water flossers are messy. A cordless water flosser allows the patient to take it in the shower,” says Lewis.

Water Capacity

A larger water tank means you can go longer without refilling. On the other hand, larger water tanks can mean a more unwieldy handheld device or more counter space taken up by a standalone tank. It’s best to always take into account how much space you have in your bathroom if water capacity is a priority for you, as this will determine what size flosser can get.

Pressure Settings

Different pressure levels can be helpful for different levels of cleaning. For instance, a stronger water stream may be better for a deeper clean. “Some people are sensitive to a higher pressure water flow, so finding a water flosser with adjustable pressure settings is ideal,” says Lewis. That being said, it’s recommended that you choose a flosser that offers multiple settings to customize for your cleaning needs and comfort. 

Attachments

Many top water flossers will come with multiple types of attachments, with a few of the most common being standard nozzles for general cleaning, orthodontic tips for braces, and periodontal tips for targeting below the gumline. Additionally, Lewis recommends looking into end tufted attachments, which can be ideal for patients with implants or bridges. 

A water flosser can be an investment, so it’s important to check and see what kind of warranty your device has before buying. Most high-quality flossers come with 2-year or 3-year warranties, but they may have slightly different limitations as to what is and isn’t covered. Always read the fine print to fully understand what your warranty covers to avoid any surprises.

Questions You Might Ask

Do dentists recommend water flossing.

Lewis is an advocate for water flossers, as they are fairly simple to incorporate into a daily routine, and can get much deeper than normal floss. “Studies have shown that floss reaches the base of a 2-3 mm pocket, however water flossers can reach up to 7 mm,” says Lewis. “Anytime a patient presents with pocketing, I feel it's beneficial to add a water flosser into their daily home care routines.”

Dr. Wei also notes that water flossers can be more effective at plaque removal, gentler on the gums, easier to use, and better at reducing or preventing inflammation. Moreover, most water flossers offer a variety of attachments and water pressure settings to achieve a comfortable clean that’s suited to your preferences.

How often should I use a water flosser?

Dr. Wei recommends using your water flosser once a day as part of your overall dental health routine. “When using a water flosser, aim to spend about 1-2 minutes cleaning between your teeth and along the gumline. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific water flosser model,” Dr. Wei advises.

Should you use a water flosser instead of string floss?

Using a water flosser or string floss is a personal choice, based on your own preferences and your dental needs. “Some people may find water flossers easier to use, especially if they have dexterity issues or braces,” says Dr. Wei. “Water flossers can also be more effective in reaching certain areas between teeth and around dental work like bridges.” 

He also noted that water flossing, especially on lower-pressure settings, can be gentler on sensitive gums than traditional string flossing. Lewis, meanwhile, suggests incorporating both types of flossing, rather than replacing one with the other all the time. Our experts both agree, however, that talking to your dentist about your options is going to be the best course of action.

This article was written by Amanda Prahl , a contributing writer for Real Simple with over five years of writing lifestyle content. To compile this guide, she researched several water flossers from top brands, evaluating features such as water capacity, pressure settings, attachments, warranty, and charge type. She also spoke with Dr. Michael J. Wei , DDS, FIADFE, and Jessica Lewis , RDH, a dental hygienist at Arizona Advanced Dental, for expert insights.

Related Articles

The 7 Best Water Flossers Worth Adding to Your Routine

Posted: July 1, 2024 | Last updated: July 1, 2024

When rounding out your essential beauty tools, you may want think about adding in one of the best water flossers. According to cosmetic dentist Daniel Rubinshtein , research shows that regular oral irrigation once or twice a day can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, and gum disease.

"Using a water flosser can help reach those hard to get places, such as the back teeth. Unless you are an avid flosser with regular floss, it’s hard to reach the molars," he tells Bazaar . Plus, Rubinshtein adds that water flossers are particularly helpful for dental bridges, porcelain veneers, or braces, as they help clean off excess plaque that may cause gum inflammation.

Dentist Kevin Sands notes that using a water flosser at least once a day at a 90-degree angle can be extremely beneficial for your oral hygiene routine, as it helps remove plaque, debris, and bacteria between teeth and along the gumline. "It helps dislodge particles and bacteria that may be more easily removed with the water flosser than with brushing alone," he says. "Water flossing before brushing helps loosen and remove particles from between teeth, making it easier for the toothbrush to clean the surfaces thoroughly."

Another bonus that comes with incorporating a water flosser into your routine? In addition to key features, like pulsating water and specialized tips you can't get with regular floss alone, these high-tech staples also use clean, continuous streams of water, which helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Professionals advise starting with a low-pressure setting, and gradually increasing once your mouth gets use to regular flosser use.

To help you find the best device for your needs, we've pulled together the best water flossers with a number of attachments and pressure settings worth shopping—with each under $100—that come highly-approved by shoppers and dentists alike.

Aquarius Water Flosser Professional For Teeth

Both Sands and Rubinshtein consider Waterpik's Aquarius Water Flosser as their primary in-office go-to—and it's easy to see why. In addition to 10 pressure settings, the device also includes seven different tips for ultimate customization. "I mainly use and recommend the Waterpik," Rubinshtein says.

One satisfied shopper writes: "I recently got a bridge and didnt like the idea of sticking a flosser brush under it daily. This lets me both floss my teeth painlessly and get anything that may be stuck under my bridge. I like that it came with a lot of different attachments and some different settings. The only thing i would change is for it to be a bit quieter. I don't mind the noise but it was definitely a surprise when I turned it on. Overall, highly recommend!" — Arianna T.

Cordless Pearl Water Flosser

Here's a cordless option from Waterpik that's battery-powered, and includes 360-degree tip rotation to leave your teeth and gums sparkling clean. "This flosser is ideal for those who want the convenience of a cordless option without compromising on performance," adds Sands. "It's easy to use and travel-friendly."

One satisfied shopper writes: "This works great and I really appreciate the adjustable settings. I actually enjoy using it daily." — Pamela E.

Power Flosser 5000

This water flosser uses four streams of water to quickly and efficiently clean between teeth and along the gum line. And according to our experts, it's also a great choice for anyone looking for a less messy alternative to traditional flossing.

One satisfied shopper writes: "I bought this air flosser to replace an older model that was wearing out. This new version is more sleek and compact, so it doesn’t take up much counter space. The water pressure is readily adjustable. And it comes with two different tips that are easy to change. This unit is very user-friendly." — JJ Hunt

Aqua Flosser

Here's another cordless and battery-powered tool that dentists recommend. It features three usage modes and four tip options, and even nicely massages gums as you use it. The flosser also happens to rotate a full 360 degrees.

One satisfied shopper writes: "Great water flosser, also my first water flosser! Easy operation, comfortable to hold with ergonomic handle. Once you become proficient at water flossing the water container will be adequate. During my learning faze I had more water around sink and mirror than on my gum line LOL. If you're looking for a simple efficient water flosser I would personally recommend." — Nancy D.

Cordless Water Flosser Teeth Cleaner

Since this tool features a detachable water tank, it's easy to keep clean after rounds of flossing. It's also specially designed with three cleaning modes that are safe for those with periodontitis or braces.

One satisfied shopper writes: "I enjoy the benefits of using this in addition to floss. I have super tiny teeth, and tiny gaps that break floss. So this has been a game changer for my dental hygiene. After a bit of getting used to, it’s amazing." — Deborah S.

Water Flosser Advanced Countertop Irrigator

Experts note that this tool from Oral-B is known for its Oxyjet technology—water enriched with microbubbles of air—which helps provide a deeper level of cleaning than most flossers. It also aims to remove up to 99.99 percent of plaque from teeth and gums.

Cordless Water Dental Flosser

"This water flosser offers a large water tank, multiple pressure settings, and various tips for different dental needs," Sands explains of this top-rated device. "Users often appreciate its quiet operation."

One satisfied shopper writes: "I absolutely love this product. I'm glad that it is cordless as I can travel with it where I go! The battery life is amazing! I'm absolutely addicted and use this everyday, it literally feels like I got my teeth cleaned professionally every single day. My teeth even feel smoother and look whiter." — Andrea P.

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NBC Select Travel Awards 2024: The best suitcases, bags and accessories

Over eight weeks, we traveled to Tokyo, Paris and the Caribbean testing bags and luggage — it's a difficult job, but someone's got to do it. As a result of our hard work testing over 150+ travel products, we picked our favorites — introducing our first-ever Best of Travel Awards.

We traveled across the globe to Tokyo with hardshell suitcases and packing cubes , commuting to and from our New York City office with weekenders and duffle bags and tried toiletry bags , noise-canceling headphones and more.  Below, we rounded up the best suitcases, bags and accessories.

SKIP AHEAD Travel Awards suitcases winners | Travel Awards bags winners | Travel Awards accessories winners

select We tested 29 carry-on suitcases for our Travel Awards — these are the 5 best

Best of travel awards 2024 suitcase winners, best hardshell suitcases, best overall hardshell suitcase:  away the bigger carry-on.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Away’s The Bigger Carry-On is the best overall hardshell suitcase because it delivered when it came to all of our testing criteria. This Away suitcase, as the name implies, is a subtly larger version of the brand’s standard carry-on suitcase. The bag can fit multiple packing cubes and has ample room for clothing, toiletries and shoes. Additionally, it comes with a TSA-approved lock, which NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez found useful during her travel testing.  “I loved using this carry-on and was able to pack roughly around 10 days worth of clothes with the help of packing cubes,” she says.

Best lightweight hardshell suitcase:  Quince 21” Carry-On

Quince 21” Carry-On

During our testing, we found that the Quince 21” Carry-On balances durability and maneuverability well. NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin tested the bag and loved how well it handled different terrain. “I dragged this bag through the streets of New York, on multiple flights, checked and not checked, and dragged it up flights of stairs and it looks great,” she says. While the bag is prone to some scrapes (the case with many hardshell bags), it comes with a small sponge to help wipe scuffs away.

Best budget hardshell suitcase:  Bagsmart Carry-On  

Bagsmart Carry-On

The Bagsmart Carry-On can hold a surprisingly large amount given its size, according to NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg, who tested the bag. “I was really impressed by this carry-on. Its dimensions are smaller than the average carry-on,” she says. “But it held a lot of things and the quality is good for the price.” It also has 360-degree wheels, an adjustable handle with four heights, TSA-approved locks on the zippers, multiple compartments for organizing clothes and an expandable zipper on the side.

Best softshell suitcases

Best overall:  thule subterra 2 carry-on spinner.

Thule Subterra 2 Carry-On Spinner

Thule’s Subterra 2 suitcase is the perfect softshell carry-on for your travel needs, whether you’re using it for a quick trip or taking it on a long-haul vacation. Former NBC Select editorial operations manager Shari Uyehara says that while testing the bag, it “helped make traveling a lot easier” — she loves its sleek, stylish design, and how well it’s held up after multiple trips. It’s made from a polycarbonate shell and a durable nylon/polyester blend that’s designed to be water-resistant and to withstand the impact of travel wear and tear, according to the brand.

Best lightweight:  Calpak Luka Soft Sided Carry-On

Calpak Luka Soft Sided Carry-On

Malin, who’s never used soft-shell luggage before, says that this suitcase is “ideal to use for a short trip”, because of its spacious yet lightweight design. When testing the suitcase for a weekend trip, Malin says she fit three full day outfits, three pairs of pajamas and three workout outfits inside of the suitcase’s main compartment, plus underwear, bras and socks. It’s made from Calpak’s puffy, polyester Luka material, which the brand says is designed to withstand travel.

Best of Travel Awards bags winners

The best duffel bags, best overall:  calpak luka duffel.

Calpak Luka Duffel

With its spacious main compartment, exterior and interior pockets, exterior shoe compartment and trolley sleeve, this bag makes for the perfect travel and daily duffel. “I love that I can use this bag for trips as well as in my everyday life as a gym bag. Zoe Malin , NBC Select associate updates editor says, “The size of this bag and how lightweight it is makes it a perfect workout bag for me. I put my sneakers, a change of clothes, weights, a towel, toiletries and a water bottle inside it to go to yoga after work.”

Best large capacity:  Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel comes in four sizes — 40L, 55L, 70L and 100L — so you can choose the capacity that’s best for your travels. The duffle is made from 100% recycled fabrics, plus it has a durable and weather-resistant exterior.   On the inside, this spacious bag has interior pockets that are similar to a carry-on suitcase. It also closes and opens easily since the zippers glide easily, says Mili Godio , NBC Select updates editor.

The best backpacks

Best overall:  calpak laptop backpack.

Calpak Laptop Backpack

This Calpak backpack is great for frequent travelers looking for a large, durable bag to hold essentials of all sizes, as well as a laptop. The backpack has exterior and interior pockets, a water bottle holder and a trolley sleeve so you can slide it onto your luggage. “Calpak’s backpack has completely changed how I travel,” says Bianca Alvarez , an NBC Select associate reporter who’s a super commuter . She travels from Virginia to New York City every week for work. “I tossed my old backpacks after using this one because it makes my travel days easier,” she says.

Best for commuting:  Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Dagne Dover’s Dakota Backpack is ideal for commuters, like NBC Select staff who brought it back and forth to the office. “I’ve been using this backpack for two months as my work bag and it’s been a major upgrade from my last situation,” says Rebecca Rodriguez , NBC Select editorial projects manager. The backpack has padded straps, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and it has compartments and pockets to store whatever you’re traveling with.

Best outdoors:  Orvis Trekkage LT Adventure

Orvis Trekkage LT Adventure

While the Orvis Trekkage backpack is specifically designed for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping, it has features that allow you to use it in everyday life, including a laptop pocket and a hidden security pocket for valuables. The bag is made from heavy-duty recycled, water-repellent fabric, and its main pocket is lockable making it easier to protect your items while outdoors camping or just traveling. “This bag is big without looking like it belongs on the Amazing Race,” says Rosalie Sparaco, NBC senior social media editor.

The best weekenders

Best overall:  dagne dover landon carryall.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall

The magic behind Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall lies in its structure, says Malin: “It has shape, so it stays open while I’m packing and never flops over, yet it’s flexible and soft, so I can overstuff it without any issues.”  The bag is also expandable. “You can unsnap the sides of the bag to make it bigger, which is such a great option,” says Malin. “I expand it for longer trips, but leave it snapped for overnight trips when I don’t need a ton of space.” They’re designed with a laptop carrier, an exterior phone pocket, interior side pockets, a key leash and an attached zip-top pouch. The larger bags also come with a shoe bag and a detachable adjustable crossbody strap.

Best for a long weekend:  July Carry All Weekender Plus

July Carry All Weekender Plus

“I’m very impressed by how incredibly spacious this bag is,” says Ari Night, NBC Select editorial assistant. “Not only does it fit multiple outfits, but it also has segmented pockets that keep everything organized inside.” The bag’s clamshell opening allows it to lie flat making it  easier for packing, and there’s a padded pocket in the center to put delicate items like a laptop or tablet . This weekender also has a hidden internal pocket with a magnetic opening for valuables like jewelry, an exterior zip pocket and a luggage sleeve.

Best of Travel Awards accessories winners

Best over-ear headphones: bose quietcomfort headphones.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

A good pair of over-ear headphones can make any plane ride more comfortable, more relaxing and more enjoyable. These over-ear headphones from Bose do just that with their excellent automated noise canceling, light and compact design, good battery life and durable carrying case. “They are my go-to travel headphones, and that’s saying a lot because I test out a lot of different headphones,” says NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz .

Best earbuds for iPhone: Apple Airpods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)

Apple Airpods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)

These are some of the best wireless earbuds for the iPhone in general, not just for travel. What makes them good for travel is their pocketable size, great noise canceling and transparency modes, and easy pairing with all your Apple devices. Multiple NBC Select staff use these headphones for travel. While they don’t deliver as much noise canceling as over-ear headphones, they are much smaller to pack, and when you are tight on space, every inch counts.

Best earbuds for Android: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5

If you have an Android phone and want to immerse yourself in your favorite music or podcast, these Sony earbuds do just that. They have excellent audio quality, with clear, detailed instrumentation across all genres. With eight hours of battery life, they can last through most flights — if they run out, you can put them back in their charging case for up to 24 hours more on time.

Best iOS Bluetooth tracker: AirTag 4-Pack

Apple AirTag (4 Pack)

“I use Apple AirTags for all kinds of travel: everything from international trips to commuting to work,” says Rabinowitz. He has one in his work backpack, his suitcase and his keys. You can use the Apple FindMy app to pinpoint the exact location of your AirTag if it’s within 30 feet. If it’s outside that range, the app will point to the location via maps. AirTags only work with iPhone and Apple devices, Android owners should consider another Bluetooth tracker like the Tile Pro.

Best Android Bluetooth tracker: Tile Pro 2-Pack

Tile Pro 2-Pack

Android owners can attach these Bluetooth trackers to anything they want the exact location of: think keys, luggage or a bike. Using the Tile app, you can pinpoint the location of the tile from up to 400 feet away using the Tile app . You can also ping the tile, it will ring audible to help you locate it.

Best portable charger: Anker 523 PowerCore Portable Charger

Anker 523 PowerCore Portable Charger

This portable charger has saved Rabinowitz’s phone from dying dozens of times — without it, he would be lost somewhere on the streets of London with a dead phone and no maps app to save him. It can fully recharge a phone or tablet on the go, and has a USB-A and USB-C port, meaning it can connect to all sorts of cables and devices.

Best in-flight gadget: Twelve South AirFly SE

Twelve South AirFly SE

This little dongle is an essential travel gadget for anyone with Bluetooth earbuds or headphones — it lets you connect to a plane’s seatback TV wirelessly. It’s a must-have for NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez, who travels regularly with the wireless Apple AirPods Max . After an initial pairing process, the AirFly will recognize your wireless device whenever it is on and near it, says Rodriguez.

Best travel blanket: Rumpl Packable Travel Blanket

Rumpl Packable Travel Blanket

NBC Select production coordinator Kelsey Fredricks says the Rumpl packable blanket kept her warm during her seven-hour flight to Ireland. “Overall, I am very impressed by the design of this blanket and think it’s a must-have for anyone who gets cold on flights,” she says. You can also store the blanket back inside the carrying pouch, which is about the size of a medium-sized Nalgene bottle, so it takes up less space in your bags or suitcase.

Best jewelry case: Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Jewelry is an essential part of travel for many, but storage has been challenging for our staff in the past. “This little case is the perfect compact size, and it doesn’t take up much room in my backpack or weekender, which is where my jewelry lives when I’m traveling,” says NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin . She loves that each side of the interior has organizational slots and loops for different sized necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets. The case is made with recycled polyester, microfiber and silicone.

Best luggage scale: Etekcity Heavy Duty Luggage Scale

Etekcity Heavy Duty Luggage Scale

We used this Etekcity Heavy Duty portable scale to test the weight of all the suitcases and bags for the Travel Awards. You can easily hook your suitcase onto the scale for a quick reading before you need to check your bag for any international flights. We found it to have an accurate sensor with a weight limit of up to 110 lbs. It’s a must have accessory for frequent travelers, thanks to its affordable price and portable design.

Best travel pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

The Ostrichpillow Go was selected as a Travel Awards favorite thanks to its ergonomic design and comfort. During a recent trip, NBC Select senior social media editor Rosalie Sparaco, used the Go travel pillow and liked the memory foam core, which offered great support. “I also discovered that you could use this to double as an eye mask/pillow and lean against the side of the plane if you have a window seat,” she says.

Best toiletry bag: Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

Multiple NBC Select editors used the Bagsmart Toiletry bag during trips and found it to be useful, thanks to its spaciousness and multiple compartments, making it easier to organize makeup, skincare or any other items. “I use this bag every time I go on longer trips because it’s so spacious,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio.

Best packing cubes: Quince Revive Nylon Eco Compression Cubes (6-Pack)

Quince Revive Nylon Eco Compression Cubes (6-Pack)

Packing cubes can turn into travel life savers. They can help you easily compress and organize all of your items before you start your trip. “I have used a lot of different packing cubes and these were great. Love the expandability, love the material and love that cushioning,” says NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin. We were also able to stuff multiple shirts inside the largest packing cube and compress them down to a more suitable size.

Why trust NBC Select?

Products underwent an eight-week trial before being selected as our favorite in their respective categories. We utilized our editors as shopping and trying experts. Each editor was given the same criteria during the testing period to ensure each item was held to the same standards and procedures. We looked at spaciousness, durability, comfort, zippers and much more. You can read more about our process  here .

What our badge means

When a product carries the NBC Select badge, you can trust that our team of editors as shopping experts and professionals vetted the item thoroughly. First and foremost, we are journalists, so we will always do our research and reporting.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Select Staff on NBC News

Ukraine war latest: Putin 'to hold talks with Xi Jinping and Erdogan'; attempt to 'overthrow Ukraine government' foiled

Vladimir Putin will hold meetings with Xi Jinping and Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Kazakhstan, Russian state news agency reports. Meanwhile, Hungary's prime minister is in Kyiv for the first time since Russia's invasion. Listen to a Daily podcast on Kim and Putin as you scroll.

Tuesday 2 July 2024 20:45, UK

• Putin's closest EU ally asks Zelenskyy to consider 'quick ceasefire'
• Attempt to 'overthrow Ukraine government' foiled
• Putin 'to hold talks with Xi Jinping and Erdogan' 
• Exclusive : The critical cog in Putin's machine and how British firms help to keep Russian gas flowing
• Big picture:  What you need to know this week
• Your questions answered: Has the West been honest about Ukraine's failures? | Is Kyiv next?
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Bhvishya Patel and (earlier) Mark Wyatt

Sanctions imposed against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine have failed to achieve any of their aims, the country's ambassador has told Sky News.

Andrei Kelin was speaking to Sky News as an investigation by Sky's Ed Conway revealed glaring loopholes in the restrictions regime, which has allowed British companies - legally - to help keep Russian gas flowing and generate huge revenues for the Kremlin's war machine.

He defended the continued trade with Europe despite the heightened tensions, arguing "business is pure business".

He also argued the supply of weapons by the West, including Britain, to Ukraine was "bad", as it perpetuated the conflict, which he claimed would be worse for Kyiv in the long term.

Speaking to  The World With Yalda Hakim  programme, Mr Kelin said: "The goal of the sanctions was first of all to spoil [the] normal life of Russians so they will say that [Vladimir] Putin is wrong.

"The second point of sanctions was to damage the Russian economy as much as possible.

"The third point was to change the political personnel.

"So none of these goals have been reached by the sanctions."

US secretary of state Antony Blinken and the Ukrainian president's chief of staff Andriy Yermak have discussed NATO members' intention to bring Ukraine closer to the alliance.

Mr Blinken has said Ukraine will become a member of NATO and that the summit will "help build a bridge" to that outcome, state department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said.

"They spoke about a number of issues, including the upcoming Washington NATO summit and allies' intention to bring Ukraine closer to NATO membership and helping to strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian aggression," Mr Patel told reporters.

Their meeting in Washington comes before a NATO summit in the US capital next week, at which Ukraine hopes to secure more assurances from the alliance on its membership bid.

Apartment buildings have been left destroyed in the rural settlement of Toshkivka, in the eastern Luhansk region, amid fierce fighting in the region.

Luhansk - along with the Donetsk area - forms part of the Donbas region. 

The region is one which Russia is trying to seize.

Lithuania's foreign ministry has made a diplomatic protest to Russia after a Russian civilian aircraft entered its airspace without permission.

The Pobeda airline aircraft entered Lithuanian airspace over the Baltic sea for a minute on Sunday evening, on its way from Moscow Vnukovo airport to Kaliningrad airport, the ministry said.

Lithuania, neighbour to both Russia and its ally Belarus, was once ruled from Moscow but is now a member of NATO and the EU.

The country has shown its backing for Ukraine during the war and provided military support to the country.

Belarus will not allow any clashes on the border with Ukraine, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said according to the country's state-run Belta news agency.

"I guarantee you that we will not allow any clashes on the border with Ukraine. There won't be any," Mr Lukashenko said.

Last week, Belarus announced that it had deployed additional air defence forces to its border with Ukraine to protect "critical infrastructure facilities" due to increased Ukrainian drone activity in the area.

President Lukashenko, who has been the head of state of Belarus since 1994, is a longstanding ally of Mr Putin. 

At the onset of Russia's invasion, Belarus provided logistical support for Russia, with Russian forces entering Ukraine from Belarusian territory.

But Mr Lukashenko has not sent any troops.

Two women have been killed after Russian attacks on the central Ukrainian city of Nikopol. 

Regional governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram  the women were aged 61 and 86. 

Another nine people were wounded.

"There is a lot of destruction in the district centre," he said.

"Local housing, educational institutions and a dispensary were damaged. Shops, beauty salons and cars were also affected."

Nikopol has been subjected to aerial attacks since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. 

Russia denies targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure.

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin has said Washington will soon announce an additional £1.8bn in security assistance for Ukraine.

The package will include anti-tank weapons, interceptors and munitions for Patriot and other air defence systems.

It marks a strong response to pleas from Kyiv for help in battling Russian forces in the eastern Donetsk region.

On Sunday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia had dropped more than 800 powerful glide bombs in Ukraine in the last week alone.

He urged national leaders to relax restrictions on the use of Western weapons to strike military targets inside Russia, adding that Ukraine needed the "necessary means to destroy the carriers of these bombs, including Russian combat aircraft, wherever they are".

Vladimir Putin will hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tomorrow during a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Kazakhstan's capital Astana, Russian state news agency TASS reports.

Mr Putin last met Mr Xi in May when he visited China on his first foreign trip after being inaugurated for a fifth term as Russian president.

The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, international security and defence organisation established by China and Russia in 2001. 

The other full members are India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Turkey, though not a member, often takes part in its meetings as a "dialogue partner".

Ukraine is expected to get "good news" in its quest for more air defence systems at a NATO summit in Washington next week, a senior US state department official has said.

The official told Reuters: "We hope we'll be able to get to the summit and make some new announcements on air defence.

"You've heard that the Ukrainians are keen to secure additional Patriots or similar systems. And I think we'll have some additional good news for them on that front."

The official did not provide any further details.

For context : Ukrainian officials have been urging their allies for months to supply more air defence systems to defend against frequent missile and drone attacks from Russian forces.

The upcoming NATO summit in Washington, which will be held from 9-11 July, is intended in part to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the military alliance.

Four settlements in the Russian region of Belgorod have been attacked by Ukrainian drones, the region's governor has said.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, reporting the news on his Telegram channel , said there were no civilian casualties according to preliminary data.

"In the Graivoron urban district, in the city of Graivoron, as a result of a drone crash with subsequent detonation, a parked passenger car caught fire," he wrote. 

"Fire crews quickly extinguished the source of the fire. In the village of Bezymeno, five private houses were destroyed after several attacks."

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